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- Nov 8, 2021
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Like many people, I really like biomimetics - artificial things that are inspired by nature - and there are some great designs I have noticed in threads.
Both in function - like the various maple seed designs where there is a common aerodynamic purpose, and also extending to aesthetic, for example, @lakeroadster 's columbine flower
I had a couple of ideas about marine organisms that might have both interesting commonalities between hydrodynamic and aerodynamic properties, but hopefully will also look nice!
The first is a jellyfish and the second is a cephalopod. I haven't found any threads on models along these lines, maybe I've missed them but maybe not that surprising as its a bit niche! Although there are definitely related designs and people may know more widely of similar builds.
(wikipedia)
For the cephalopod, I started thinking squid but maybe an extinct belemnite (see pic) would be easier as the conical body is much longer and the flukes are smaller and further back.
To deal with the flukes I am thinking maybe some sort of psuedo GDS arrangement with intakes near the eyes and motor in the head to put the CG forward and make up for the lack of conventional fins. Probably with a transparent cone at the aft to give stability and also keep the tentacles (high T silicone tubing?) out of the exhaust. I would love the tentacles to be flexible but rigid ones that acted as tube fins may be more realistic, maybe a mix... This needs quite a bit more thought and is definitely still in the less-than-half-baked category!
The jellyfish doesn't seem as bad because I have seen many designs based on a dome which to my understanding is an inherently stable geometry (within certain limits).
So I am going to try this first.
Of the various species of jellyfish, the compass jellyfish (Chrysaora hysoscella) looks like a good one to model on, as it is quite regular in shape to aid the aerodynamics, very recognisable with some nice markings which should translate onto a transparent dome, plus the tentacles are not too long, so these can be sized to avoid them being toasted by the hot exhaust (as well as hopefully using something a little heat resistant or at least not flammable).
(wildswimmingcornwall.co.uk, fineartamerica.com, marinespecies.org, journeyz.co)
It even has a large straggly looking central tentacle which may be mimiced by the turbulent smoke trail (maybe a smokey sam reload which by luck I have on order...).
Both in function - like the various maple seed designs where there is a common aerodynamic purpose, and also extending to aesthetic, for example, @lakeroadster 's columbine flower
I had a couple of ideas about marine organisms that might have both interesting commonalities between hydrodynamic and aerodynamic properties, but hopefully will also look nice!
The first is a jellyfish and the second is a cephalopod. I haven't found any threads on models along these lines, maybe I've missed them but maybe not that surprising as its a bit niche! Although there are definitely related designs and people may know more widely of similar builds.
(wikipedia)
For the cephalopod, I started thinking squid but maybe an extinct belemnite (see pic) would be easier as the conical body is much longer and the flukes are smaller and further back.
To deal with the flukes I am thinking maybe some sort of psuedo GDS arrangement with intakes near the eyes and motor in the head to put the CG forward and make up for the lack of conventional fins. Probably with a transparent cone at the aft to give stability and also keep the tentacles (high T silicone tubing?) out of the exhaust. I would love the tentacles to be flexible but rigid ones that acted as tube fins may be more realistic, maybe a mix... This needs quite a bit more thought and is definitely still in the less-than-half-baked category!
The jellyfish doesn't seem as bad because I have seen many designs based on a dome which to my understanding is an inherently stable geometry (within certain limits).
So I am going to try this first.
Of the various species of jellyfish, the compass jellyfish (Chrysaora hysoscella) looks like a good one to model on, as it is quite regular in shape to aid the aerodynamics, very recognisable with some nice markings which should translate onto a transparent dome, plus the tentacles are not too long, so these can be sized to avoid them being toasted by the hot exhaust (as well as hopefully using something a little heat resistant or at least not flammable).
(wildswimmingcornwall.co.uk, fineartamerica.com, marinespecies.org, journeyz.co)
It even has a large straggly looking central tentacle which may be mimiced by the turbulent smoke trail (maybe a smokey sam reload which by luck I have on order...).