Dragonfly-Inspired 3D Bionic Folding Grid Structure Design
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The method proposed in this paper provides a new research idea for biomimetic three-dimensional grid structure material design. The wings of a dragonfly exhibit a complex grid structure, comprising approximately 1–2% of its total weight, yet demonstrating exceptional mechanical efficiency. In order to investigate the feasibility of applying the design optimization method simulating this structure to the material structure design, we adopted a multi-step method to realize the formation of multi-scale grid structures and folds. Initially, the main vein of the front wing was simulated using a branching structure generation technique. Subsequently, a Voronoi grid was overlaid to generate the complete bionic grid structure. Finally, the fold structure of the wing was simulated using origami principles to create a three-dimensional grid structure. This method can obtain the rigid–flexible coupling 3D grid structure by simulating the 3D fold structure design of the dragonfly wing. The results show that the proposed method can obtain structural materials with excellent structural properties by simulating the structural characteristics of dragonfly wings.
Source: Applied Sciences
DOI: 10.3390/app15031673
Authors: Xin Dong, Leijiang Yao, Hong-jun Liu, You Ding
Institution: Northwestern Polytechnical University
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W4407196015