Gull Wing Based on the Wing of Sea Bird
Wings of large sea birds such as albatros or streaked shearwater have "M" shaped wing. This type of wing is called "gull wing" named after its representative of sea gull. The reason why many sea birds use this type of wing is not known in detail. So, we are studying the aerofynamic characteristics of gull wing conducting wing tunnel experiments.
Planform and wing section of gull wing was measured using the stuffed specimen of streaked shearwater and the models for wind tunnel test were fabricated using Styrofoam as shown in the pictures below.
Measuring of wing sections using solder wires
Gull wing models and a setting of wind tunnel experiment
Streaked shearwater is famous for its characteristic flying method of "dynamic soaring". Owing to this method, they can get energy from the wind and continue glyding for long time and long distance. We are investigating the relationship between the aerodynamic characteristics of gull wing and the dynamic soaring by conducting the wind tunnel tests.