Experimental method for 3D reconstruction of Odonata wings (methodology and dataset)

Abstract

Insect wings are highly evolved structures with aerodynamic and structural properties that are not fully understood or systematically modeled. Most species in the insect order Odonata have permanently deployed high aspect ratio wings. Odonata have been documented to exhibit extraordinary flight performance and a wide range of interesting flight behaviors that rely on agility and efficiency. The characteristic three-dimensional corrugated structures of these wings have been observed and modeled for a small number of species, with studies showing that corrugations can provide significant aerodynamic and structural advantages. Comprehensive museum collections are the most practical source of Odonata wing, despite the risk of adverse effects caused by dehydration and preservation of specimens. Museum specimens are not to be handled or damaged and are best left undisturbed in their display enclosures. We have undertaken a systematic process of scanning, modeling, and postprocessing the wings of over 80 Odonata species using a novel and accurate method and apparatus we developed for this purpose. The method allows the samples to stay inside their glass cases if necessary and is non-destructive. The measurements taken have been validated against micro-computed tomography scanning and against similar-sized objects with measured dimensions. The resulting publicly available dataset will allow aeronautical analysis of Odonata aerodynamics and structures, the study of the evolution of functional structures, and research into insect ecology. The technique is useable for other orders of insects and other fragile samples.

Parametric and Statistical Study of the Wing Geometry of 75 Species of Odonata

“…As shown in Figure 2, 50% are from the Libellulidae and Aeshnidae families that contain a large number of species with a wide range of sizes [24,25]. The 75 Odonata families and species are included from the Libellulidae family (Libellula Pulchella, Libellula Murica Drury, The dataset, including complete three-dimensional models, are available in the Dryad repository [26], with the original photographs from which the models were constructed. 3DF Zephyr Pro for photogrammetry and SolidWorks software for conversion of the point cloud to a solid model were used to reconstruct the wings [27,28].…”

“…3DF Zephyr Pro for photogrammetry and SolidWorks software for conversion of the point cloud to a solid model were used to reconstruct the wings [27,28]. Figure 3 shows the 3D reconstructed hindwing of a Petalura Ingentissima from Measured species number The dataset, including complete three-dimensional models, are available in the Dryad repository [26], with the original photographs from which the models were constructed. 3DF Zephyr Pro for photogrammetry and SolidWorks software for conversion of the point cloud to a solid model were used to reconstruct the wings [26,27].…”

“…Figure 3 shows the 3D reconstructed hindwing of a Petalura Ingentissima from Measured species number The dataset, including complete three-dimensional models, are available in the Dryad repository [26], with the original photographs from which the models were constructed. 3DF Zephyr Pro for photogrammetry and SolidWorks software for conversion of the point cloud to a solid model were used to reconstruct the wings [26,27]. Figure 3 shows the 3D reconstructed hindwing of a Petalura Ingentissima from the dataset.…”

“…The precision of the reconstruction of the wings in both surface dimensions and depth of angles/corrugation patterns was evaluated against a measured transparent flat model wing and Micro-CT, respectively, with good agreement between results ( Figure 4). The method and validation are documented in Chitsaz et al [26].…”

Longitudinal Actuated Abdomen Control for Energy Efficient Flight of Insects

“…The fore and hind wing areas are combined to form a single wing with an averaged chord (c r e f ). Estimating the effective aspect ratio (AR) of the fore and hind wing resulted in an inappropriate low value, hence, an (AR = 7.3) was selected as dragonflies are characterised with having high AR wings [22,45]. We determined the value of the wing span (b re f ) using [14] b re f = AR × c re f .…”