A Study on the Wing Structure and Flapping Behavior of a Dragonfly

Abstract

This study is concerned with the wing structure and aerodynamic characteristics of a dragonfly in flight. The structural properties of dragonfly wings were studied through measurements of certain morphological parameters. The scanning electron microscopic observation showed the morphological characteristics of the dragonfly wing. Dragonflies were examined in a small low-turbulence wind tunnel. In the experiment on the measurements of wing flapping, an optical displacement detector was used to measure the displacement of the dragonfly wing. In the experiment on the measurements of the velocity fluctuation, a hot-wire anemometer was used to measure the velocity field. The spectrum of dragonfly flight was revealed by the measurements of velocity fluctuation.