1. Principles and practices, project management¶

This week I learned about digital fabrication, schedule of Fab Academy 2022, and rights and responsibilities of Academy students.
I also worked on defining my final project idea and started to getting used to the documentation process.

1.0 Assignment of this week¶

Plan and sketch a potential final project.
Work through a git tutorial and build my personal site in the class archive describing myself and my final project.

1.1 Defining my final project idea¶

1.1.1 Described about my motivation¶

On our planet, flying animals have a long history of evolution. Fossil records indicate that they have already lived on earth in three hundred million years ago.
The have wide diversity of shape, size, wing struture and flapping mechanism, etc. But they all share a common basic configuration: symmetry swinging wings.
Why do they share a single common configuration? Request of laws of physics? None of us know the reason exactly.

Sequence01.mp4

1.1.2 Exploring possibility of alternative wing configuration¶

1.1.2.1 Twister¶

As an early attempt, I designed “Twister” series a few years ago. They had unconventional tandem wing configurations. Their wings flapped like a seesaw by twisting their bodies.

Sequence02.mp4

1.1.2.2 Tail fin¶

When we turn our eyes into sea, we see several animals use wider variation of mechanism to move in water.
One of the most popular way is “tail fin”. Many fishes, whales and dolphins, etc. have large fins on their tail.
They swing their fins to swim in water efficiently. My question: is it possible to apply the same approach for flying?

Sequence03.mp4

1.1.3 Described about What I would make¶

1.1.3.1 Focus¶

AS to swinging motion of tail fins, there are two major styles: vertical swing and horizontal swing. Vertical swing is also called ‘dolphin kick’. I would focus on ‘dolphin kick’ style for the project.

1.1.3.2 Proof of Concept model¶

I will check the potential of my idea using small scale hand-made models prior to advanced models.

Flapping_sequenceS.mp4

1.1.3.3 Integration of digital fabrication technology¶

Once I can find that the idea is promising enough, I will go to the next step. I will design larger, digital fabrication technology integitrated models.
Challenge: structure, material, flapping mechanism, aerodynamics, power source and digital instruments, etc.

1.1.3.4 Final model(image)¶

The final model would, possiblly be over 1 meter length.
Its skelton would be made of carbon composite carved by CNC mill and be covered by very thin plastic film or fabric.
3D printed detailed parts(joints, gear box, etc.). Integrated electronics for semi-autonomous flight.

I strongly believe that finally it would be able to take off to the sky!

1.2. Project management¶

This week I also learned about project management tools for Fab Academy 2022, built an environment, get accustomed with GIT and built my personal site.