Scientists Use 3D Printing to Decode Grasshopper Wings, Inspiring Next-Gen Aircraft
A research team from Princeton University and the University of Illinois recently made a breakthrough: they precisely replicated the hind wings of American migratory locusts using 3D printing technology, thereby revealing the mechanical secrets behind insects' highly efficient gliding. The related findings have been published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface.
Why Study Grasshopper Wings?
The research began with an observation: American migratory locusts can glide long distances with minimal energy expenditure. The team focused on the unique wavy "corrugated structure" of their membranous hind wings. This structure is particularly noticeable when the wings are fully extended for gliding (as opposed to flapping) and is considered key to achieving energy-efficient flight.
How Did 3D Printing Contribute?
To quantitatively analyze the aerodynamic properties of this biological structure, the research team adopted an interdisciplinary approach combining "biology + additive manufacturing":
Digital Modeling: Used CT scanning to accurately obtain the three-dimensional geometric data of the wings.
Parametric Printing: 3D printed multiple sets of wing models, systematically varying parameters such as curvature, airfoil shape, and corrugation depth.
Controlled Testing: Conducted precise, repeatable tests on these models in a water flow chamber and a flight laboratory, which would be impossible with real insects.
Key Finding: A "Trade-off" Between Efficiency and Folding
The test results revealed an interesting balance:
The wing's corrugated structure does provide some lift.
However, in terms of pure gliding performance, smoother wing models performed better.
This hints at nature's wisdom: the corrugated structure of grasshopper wings may represent an optimal compromise between aerodynamic efficiency and the practicality of foldable storage—a folding capability crucial for insect survival.
Research Significance: Two-Way Inspiration
This study creates value in two directions:
For Biology: Provides entomologists with precisely controllable physical models (3D-printed wings), serving as a new experimental tool for investigating the function of biological forms.
For Engineering: The findings offer direct inspiration for designing ultra-energy-efficient passive gliders or small, low-power flying robots.
This research further demonstrates that 3D printing has become a powerful bridge connecting biology and engineering, allowing humans to decode the sophisticated designs of nature more deeply and translate them into future technological innovations.
