Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study explores the application of Eurasian eagle-owl wing characteristics to the design of folding wings for flying cars. By analyzing the aerodynamics of the eagle-owl wing, we aim to innovate folding wing configurations to improve lift, reduce drag, enhance flight stability, and ultimately increase the overall energy efficiency and safety of flying cars. METHODS: First, a comparative analysis of aerodynamic performance data across multiple owl species was conducted, leading to the selection of the Eurasian eagle-owl wing as the bionic prototype. Then, reverse engineering modeling was performed using image-based photogrammetry. A three-dimensional shape error measurement method was applied for quantitative error analysis of the reconstructed model. High-precision point cloud data of the wing were obtained and sliced at equal intervals. The extracted airfoil cross-sections were fitted using polynomial equations and simulated in XFOIL. Sections exhibiting superior aerodynamic performance were selected as bionic airfoils. Next, using coupled extension analysis method and a comprehensive coupling degree evaluation function from coupled bionics, the coupling bionic feature vectors and eigenvalues between the folding wing and the bionic reference were analyzed. A coupled extension matrix model was established to guide the bionic design based on eagle-owl wing morphology. Finally, fluid simulations were performed using Fluent software, and a comparative analysis of aerodynamic performance was conducted. RESULTS: The results reveal that the folding wing design inspired by the Eurasian eagle-owl significantly improves lift, reduces drag, and enhances flight stability compared to traditional wing designs. CONCLUSION: The bionic design of flying car folding wings based on the Eurasian eagle-owl wing proves effective in enhancing aerodynamic performance.