Blog Post III
Reflection
Looking back on my research project, I remember a lot of stress, curiosity, excitement, and frustration. Overall, I believe this experiment taught me a lot about the research process and some things about myself too.
Content
My results concluded that my design of the army cutworm's wing was overall not mechanically efficient and did not improve the FWMAV. Most of this was due to my lack of professional tools and strain on research time and depth. However, despite this overall negative result, the process itself taught me about the army cutworm. the process demanded I find the army cutworm's wingspan, the angle at which the wing flaps, its mass, build, etc. While assembling the parts, I discovered the the venation structure is what changes the structural stiffness of the wing, which is why changing the veins affects the flight.
The process taught me resilience and perseverance. I failed in almost every corner of the experiment. My 3D-modeled prototype, for example failed to print 5 times due to printing limitations and incompatibility with the printer and the design. Rather than giving up, I found alternate solutions in order to continue my research. I was still able to create a model and yield results because I didn't force myself down one path and instead found another.
Product
My final presentation and paper was a testament to all the hard work I put into this project over the year. Being able to write out and see the process and its result taught me that I could've put a little more planning into the initial preparation, such as studying the army cutworm and prepping tools.
For the future, I will be sure to put more emphasis on initial exploration and research. While preparation for the experiment seems tedious and extra, it served to have a heavy impact on my experiment. Taking care to have everything prepared will ultimately make the experiment run smoother and achieve easier, more successful results.
Process
As a student, I learned that I've become too adapted to being a procrastinator. Most of my project would've have been rushed if I had put in the effort to make sure I was well prepared before starting. This experiment was an overestimate of my skills and experience in engineering and biology.
However, as a person, I learned that I am resilient and flexible. Rather than forcing myself down a path that didn't work, I found an alternate solution that, while not as efficient still yielded numbers
In the future, I know now to not leave a large amount of work for the last minute and to not put off the hard parts. This allows me to be a better student as I move on in my academic career and may improve my health since I will be less stressed.
Thank You's!
Over the course of this year, I've faced challenges, many of which I couldn't face alone. I'd like to dedicate this section to those who have helped me on this journey.
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Ms. Dobos and Mr. McBridge ~ My teachers who encouraged me to take this class and supported me even when my project got tough. I am incredibly grateful to them for their passion for the class and their endless faithfulness in their students! I'll miss you!!
My mom and dad ~ Without them, I could not have finished this project in the first place. They stayed with me when things got tough and helped me find an alternate solution. Thank you specifically to my dad who helped me brainstorm ideas and lended me his advice and knowledge.
To my best friend ~ I couldn't have done this project with their support. They helped me through my stressful times, but also gave me space when I needed it. They knew exactly what I needed without even needed to speak to me. Thank you for staying with me and listening when I was panicking, baking me cookies when I was tired, and being the first one to congratulate me when everything was finished. They're such a strong presence in my life and I genuinely couldn't have finished without their support.
Abstract
Biomimicry is the the technique of mimicking biological systems using mechanical technology. This allows for creative, sustainable, resource-efficient, and powerful innovations including the bullet train, wind turbines, and even the Velcro. Aviation, specifically the flapping-wing micro air vehicle, utilizes biomimicry in order to improve their design and results. However, every biological system on this Earth has yet to be tested. I strive to test if the design army cutworm, better known as the miller moth, can be used to improve the performance of the FWMAV. Using biomimicry, I manufactured a prototype that tested the mechanical efficiency of an artificial army cutworm wing.
Links to My Final Works
For the Future...
After my final year at Rock Canyon High School, I plan on attending the rest of my academic years at the University of California Irvine with a major in mechanical engineering! I hope to experience, learn, and discover more as I continue to pursue my interest in engineering. Go Anteaters!!
