Researchers develop replica model of butterfly
A group of Japanese researchers have succeeded in building a fully functional replica model – an ornithopter – of a swallowtail butterfly, and they have filmed their model butterfly flying.
The researchers have published their findings in Bioinspiration & Biomimetics.
To prove that the swallowtail achieves forward flight with simple flapping motions, the researchers built a lifelike ornithopter in the same dimensions as the butterfly, copying the swallowtail's distinct wing shape and the thin membranes and veins that cover its wings.
Using motion analysis software, the researchers were able to monitor the ornithopter's aerodynamic performance, showing that flight can be realised with simple flapping motions without feedback control, a model which they say can be applied to future aerodynamic systems.
A video of the artificial butterfly in flight is below.
