Biomimetic structure design of dragonfly wing venation using topology optimization method

Scientists have carried out research for various biomimetic applications based on the dragonfly wings because of the superb flying skills and lightsome posture. The wings of dragonflies are mainly composed of veins and membranes, which give rise to the special characteristics of their wings that make dragonflies being supremely versatile, maneuverable fliers. Mimicking the dragonfly wing motion is of great technological interest from application's point of view. However, the major challenge is the biomimetic fabrication to replicate the wing motion due to the very complex nature of the wing venation of dragonfly wings. In this regard, the topology optimization method (TOM) is useful to simplify object's structure while retaining its mechanical properties. In this paper, TOM is employed to simplify and optimize the venation structure of dragonfly (Pantala flavescens Fabricius) wing that is captured by a 3D scanner and numerical reconfiguration. Combined with the material parameters obtained from nanoindentation testing, the quantitative models are established based on a finite element (FE) analysis and discussed in static range. The quantitative models are then compared with the square frame, staggered grid frame and hexagonal frame to examine the potentials of the biomimetic structure design for the fabrication of greenhouse roof.