Life Sciences & Biotechnology
Title : | structural and Aerodynamic characterization and biomimetic studies of winged diaspores of selected flowering plants of south India |
Area of research : | Life Sciences & Biotechnology |
Principal Investigator : | Dr. C. Pramod, University Of Calicut, Kerala |
Timeline Start Year : | 2024 |
Timeline End Year : | 2027 |
Contact info : | cpramod4@gmail.com |
Equipments : | Digital sLR Camera
Zoom lens
steriomicroscope
Laptop computer |
Details
Executive Summary : | Diaspores are units of dispersal that move away from their parent plant, establishing offspring as independent seedlings. Dispersal is crucial in plant evolution, allowing plants to sustain their population and widen their geographic range. Many species rely on wind for dispersal, leading to various diaspore morphologies, such as winged diaspores, which display aerodynamic behaviors like gliding, rocking, and spinning (autorotation) in air to slow the rate of descent once detached from the tree. studies of these structures and their aerodynamics have led to significant innovations and technological improvements in engineering and aeronautical disciplines. Examples include samarai, a rotating mono-wing nano air vehicle (NAV), the robotic samara, and the wing planform created by Igo Etrich. Autorotation could be used as an alternative to parachutes in Mars Exploration Rovers and Mars-Pathfinder, and gliding flights could be used in aero-gravity assists (AGA). Exploring the structure, configuration, and aerodynamic behavior of diaspores may lead to the development and advancement of technology by serving as bioinspiration. south India has a distinct phytogeography with a great diversity of flowering plants, including winged diaspores. This study proposes further exploration of the diverse flight strategies of south Indian winged diaspores, identification of their aerodynamics, and inquire scope for their biomimetic application. The major activities of the proposed study include exploring south India for the collection of winged diaspores, identifying and studying flight behaviors, and conducting experimental studies to understand the underlying mechanism of their movements. |
Total Budget (INR): | 47,41,264 |
Organizations involved