Bio-Inspired Drag Reduction, Power Management, and Energy Harvesting in Avian and Insect Flight: A Review

In the continuous quest to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of flight, the natural world offers a plethora of strategies and adaptations that can be harnessed in aviation technology. This review paper explores the multifaceted approaches of energy harvesting and drag reduction observed in nature, emphasizing their potential applications in modern aircraft and drone design. It delves into the study of micro and macro structures in various species, such as the drag-reducing micro-structures of riblets on bird feathers. The paper further investigates the broader morphological adaptations in birds and insects, including topics such as beak shape, coloration, flight configurations, materials, molting, and airfoil design for their contributions to aerodynamic proficiency. In addition, this review highlights various energy harvesting techniques observed in nature, such as soaring and ground effect exploitation, and their potential integration into aircraft design for improved endurance. Through a comprehensive review of these natural phenomena, this work aims to provide valuable insights for the development of innovative, eco-friendly aviation technologies, contributing to the global effort to reduce the environmental impact of air travel while improving the viability of drones in the nano to micro range.