Unsteady aerodynamics of Helicopter Seeds
Victor
Ortega Jimenez, Professor
Integrative Biology
Applications for Spring 2025 are closed for this project.
Helicopters seeds (Samaras) are remarkable for their aerodynamic capabilities with insects wings. We Investigate the aerodynamics and kinematics of samaras in a vertical wind tunnel. The goal of this project is to understand the unsteady mechanisms they have to fly on unsteady flow conditions.
Role: Film samaras using highspeed cameras and a wind tunnel, make physical modes, make gliders, biomechanical analysis, and write report.
Qualifications: Engineering, or physics, or biology fundamentals
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Victor Ortega Jimenez, Staff Researcher
Hours: 6-8 hrs
Related website: https://ornithopterus.com
Biological & Health Sciences