Guide
5G will disrupt weather forecasts worldwide
by Spektrum der Wissenschaft
Microdrones: Twice as good thanks to deliberately bad wings
29.2.2020
Translation: machine translated
Up to six times longer in the air and even more stable. For the design of new mini wings, researchers have simply thrown proven knowledge overboard.
The structure of the wings was modelled on nature. Insects and other small fliers inspired them to disregard the laws of aerodynamics that apply on a large scale. Because in the world of the small, completely different influences would affect an aeroplane. For example, they would be constantly tossed around by gusts of air that would not affect a normal-sized aircraft.
The trick with the controlled stall, however, prevents the susceptibility to interference, the scientists found. Specifically, the pointed leading edge ensures that turbulence occurs in the front half of the wing. This appears to make the aircraft less susceptible to random gusts. At the rear end of the wing, the scientists attached a rounded rail similar to a landing flap. It catches the swirling airflow again and thus provides lift.
However, the trick reduces the efficiency of the wing, the researchers write. Which is why the wings have to be longer than those of conventional mini-drones. Dispensing with the classic wing profile also makes this easier: The wings could easily be thicker and correspondingly more stable, and more space would also be gained for batteries - and therefore an even longer flight duration.
Spectrum of science
We are a partner of Spektrum der Wissenschaft and want to make scientifically sound information more accessible. Do you like the articles from Spektrum? Then follow Spektrum der Wissenschaft or subscribe to the magazine and support scientific journalism.
, Photo: Richard Watt/MOD
Spektrum der Wissenschaft
Wissenschaft aus erster Hand
dirdjaja@spektrum.deExperts from science and research report on the latest findings in their fields – competent, authentic and comprehensible.
Guide
Practical solutions for everyday problems with technology, household hacks and much more.
Show all
