Biomimetic Techniques for Space Applications

A special issue of Biomimetics (ISSN 2313-7673). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomimetic Design, Constructions and Devices".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 October 2023) | Viewed by 2322

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Aerospace Mechanism and Control, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
Interests: biomimetic robot; triboelectric perception; intelligent recognition; space mechanism

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Guest Editor
Shanghai Key Laboratory of Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics, School of Mechatronic Engineering and Automation, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
Interests: space structure and intelligent perception; flexible/soft robot; triboelectric nanogenerator

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The exploration of space has always been at the forefront of pushing the limits of human ingenuity and innovation. As we continue to expand our understanding of the universe and venture further into the unknown, it becomes increasingly important to develop cutting-edge technologies to facilitate our journey. Biomimicry, which involves imitating nature's solutions to address complex challenges in space exploration, is one such approach.

In recent years, biomimetic design and techniques have gained significant attention as a means of offering novel strategies and methods inspired by nature to resolve various issues in space applications. By leveraging millions of years of evolutionary refinement, we can employ these biological principles to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of our space endeavors.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to present high-quality research and advancements in biomimetic design and techniques for space applications, highlighting the potential benefits and future possibilities of this exciting domain. We encourage submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following research directions:

  • Biomimetic design in spacecraft structural design;
  • Biomimetic design in spacecraft propulsion systems;
  • Biomimetic design in space robotics and manipulators;
  • Biomimetic design in space environment monitoring and control systems;
  • Biomimetic design in space human engineering and health protection.

We cordially invite you to contribute your original research, review articles, or case studies that showcase the potential and impact of biomimetic design and techniques in space applications. We believe that your expertise and insights will enrich this Special Issue and spark meaningful discussions among researchers, engineers, and policymakers in the field.

Prof. Dr. Xuyan Hou
Dr. Long Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomimetics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biomimetic design
  • spacecraft structures
  • propulsion systems
  • space robotics
  • manipulators
  • space environment
  • monitoring and control systems
  • human engineering
  • health protection
  • space applications

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 8134 KiB  
Article
Biomimetic Design of a New Semi-Rigid Spatial Mesh Antenna Reflector
by Hualong Xie, Yuqing Feng, Qunfeng Bi, Xiaofei Ma and Junfeng Zhao
Biomimetics 2024, 9(2), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9020074 - 25 Jan 2024
Viewed by 873
Abstract
The reflective surface accuracy (RSA) of traditional space mesh antennas typically ranges from 0.2 to 6 mmRMS. To improve the RSA, an active control scheme can be employed, although it presents challenges in determining the installation position of the actuator. In this study, [...] Read more.
The reflective surface accuracy (RSA) of traditional space mesh antennas typically ranges from 0.2 to 6 mmRMS. To improve the RSA, an active control scheme can be employed, although it presents challenges in determining the installation position of the actuator. In this study, we propose a novel design for a semi-rigid cable mesh that combines rigid members and a flexible woven mesh, drawing inspiration from both rigid ribbed antennas and biomimicry. Initially, we investigate the planar mesh topology of spider webs and determine the bionic cable surface’s mesh topology based on the existing hexagonal meshing method, with RSA serving as the evaluation criterion. Subsequently, through motion simulations and careful observation, we establish the offset angle as the key design parameter for the bionic mesh and complete the design of the bionic cable mesh accordingly. Finally, by analyzing the impact of the node quantity on RSA, we determine a layout scheme for the flexible woven mesh with a variable number of nodes, ultimately settling for 26 nodes. Our results demonstrate that the inclusion of numerous rigid components on the bionic cable mesh surface offers viable installation positions for the actuator of the space mesh antenna. The reflector accuracy achieved is 0.196 mmRMS, slightly surpassing the lower limit of reflector accuracy observed in most traditional space-space mesh antennas. This design presents a fresh research perspective on combining active control schemes with reflective surfaces, offering the potential to enhance the RSA of traditional rigid rib antennas to a certain extent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Techniques for Space Applications)
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15 pages, 2091 KiB  
Article
Design and Simulation of On-Orbit Assembly System Based on Insect-Inspired Transportation
by Yuetian Shi, Xuyan Hou, Guowei Gao, Zhonglai Na, Yuhui Liu and Zongquan Deng
Biomimetics 2023, 8(2), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics8020256 - 14 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1220
Abstract
In response to the requirements of large-scale space in-orbit assembly and the special environment of low gravity in space, this paper proposes a small robot structure with the integration of assembly, connection, and vibration reduction functionalities. Each robot consists of a body and [...] Read more.
In response to the requirements of large-scale space in-orbit assembly and the special environment of low gravity in space, this paper proposes a small robot structure with the integration of assembly, connection, and vibration reduction functionalities. Each robot consists of a body and three composite mechanical arms-legs, which can dock and transfer assembly units with the transport spacecraft unit, and also crawl along the edge truss of the assembly unit to a designated location to complete in-orbit assembly while ensuring precision. A theoretical model of robot motion was established for simulation studies, and in the research process, the vibration of the assembly unit was studied, and preliminary adjustments were made to address the vibration issue. The results show that this structure is feasible for in-orbit assembly schemes and has good adjustment ability for flexible vibration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Techniques for Space Applications)
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