For my second semester at WashU in architecture we are focusing on making flying machines. Our prompt was to pick a mechanical and a natural precedent to inspire our design process.My choices were the tetrahedral kite and a flying snake. The end goal is to produce a flying machine which can fly up or across 15 feet and stay in-tact while also being aesthetically pleasing.
Study of my mechanical precedent
Study of my natural precedent
Prototype_1 render
The goal for Prototype_1 was to deconstruct and lineate the modules which make up a tetrahedral kite. Beyond this, the goal was also to allow the user of the kite to control the arc of the kit much like a flying snake adjusts its ribcage to flatten out as it glides. The model failed due to being too deconstructed. Materials used were fishing line, clear straws, trace paper, and double sided tape.
Prototype_2 render
Prototype_2 took the same idea of the user controlling the arc from Prototype_1 but allowed for more structure. In a controlled environment the mechanisms which allowed for movement worked but in practice the kite became too entangled as I tried to make connections between the modules out of fishing line rather than something more structural as I wanted more flexibility. Materials used were the same as Prototype_1,
Prototype_3 render
For Prototype_3 I decided to change some of the materials from the first two prototypes. This time instead of relying on fishing line threaded through straws for the structure I chose to work with music wire (500). This was the first kite that actually survived the test flight. While it survived, Prototype_3 does need more structure in some areas as it tended to have a turbulent flight rather than a smooth one when subjected to high winds. In a gentle breeze the kite was able to easily catch wind and have the arch manipulated with ease.
Prototype_4 render
For Prototype_4 I shifted my design completely and started working with cutting and folding mylar to create openings and ridges. This design was focused on the scales of the snake rather than the bending motion of the ribcage which allowed for the snake to glide. This model was made of bent wire and mylar. The kite did not fly successfully and was too flexible in the air causing it to flex too much to catch air.
Final_Model render
My final model actually was able to achieve flight. Made of laser-cut basswood and mylar, this model had the most structure of anything I made which allowed flight to be successful. The design was inspired still by the snakeskin but also had an unintended consequence. While in flight the way the mylar panels bow resemble a section cut of the flying snake at rest.
