Amirkabir Journal of Mechanical Engineering

Amirkabir Journal of Mechanical Engineering

Bio-inspired Artificial Flapping Wings: Structural Optimization Based on Dragonfly Wing Morphological Patterns

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Ebrahim Bahramian 1
Majid Alitavoli 1
Ali Basti 1
Hamed Rajabi 2
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
2 School of Engineering, London South Bank University (LSBU), London, UK
10.22060/mej.2026.25931.7982
Abstract
Dragonfly wings achieve high maneuverability and aerodynamic performance through a system relying on passive mechanical control. This study investigates the structural patterns affecting wing deformation by integrating geometric morphometrics of the dragonfly wing and a parametric optimization framework. In this regard, a parametric model of the wing was developed in the Grasshopper environment to evaluate the effect of planform patterns, longitudinal vein networking, the geometry of triangular elements, and the pterostigma on deformation modes. By employing the Octopus multi-objective evolutionary algorithm, the trade-offs among mass, strain energy, and structural stiffness were analyzed. The results showed that optimal configurations inevitably face a bending-twisting trade-off. A comparative analysis between the optimized configurations and the wing morphology of Tramea and Potamarcha species from the Libellulidae family revealed aligned functional trends, indicating the key role of mechanical efficiency in the evolution of the internal wing structure. Furthermore, dynamic analysis demonstrated that despite the complexity of the wing structure, frequency modes have a direct correspondence with static responses, such that the vibrational behavior of the wing responds well to changes and modifications applied in the static state. Ultimately, this research presents a simplified, bio-inspired design paradigm for the development of flapping Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs); an achievement that lays the groundwork for fabricating physical prototypes and conducting experimental dynamic flight tests in future studies.
Keywords
Parametric Wing Design
Dragonfly Wing Morphology
Flapping‑Wing Micro Air Vehicles (FWMAVs)
Bio-Inspired Design
Multi-Objective Optimization
Subjects
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Amirkabir Journal of Mechanical Engineering
Volume 58, Issue 1
2026
Pages 89-112