Effect of morphological profile of dandelion-seed on flight lift force under crosswind

Abstract

In this paper, the effect of the morphological profile of dandelion seed on flight lift force under crosswind conditions is explored. Existing studies primarily focus on the flight characteristics of dandelion seed during its fall, emphasizing the influence of the complex filament structure on the formation of wake vortices. However, research on the flight lift force due to the dandelion seed’s morphological profile under lateral crosswind conditions is quite limited. This study investigates the aerodynamic behavior of dandelion seed using a novel virtual barrier model. This model is proposed, based on the regular pattern of the filaments’ outer contours and the virtual barrier effect produced by their columnar array. Through elaborate numerical simulations, it is found that the morphological profile of dandelion seed possesses superior aerodynamic properties, particularly in generating lift force under crosswind conditions. This characteristic is a crucial mechanism for the long-distance dispersal of dandelion seed. Subsequently, the study extends to examine the aerodynamic performance of the model at varying degrees of opening angles and inflow attack angles, offering a fresh perspective on understanding the flight characteristics of dandelion seed in natural environments. The findings not only contribute to the field of plant aerodynamics but also provide insights into potential biomimetic applications in engineering.