Experimental method for 3D reconstruction of Odonata wings (methodology and dataset)

Insect wings are highly evolved structures with aerodynamic and structural
properties that are not fully understood or systematically modeled. Most
species in the insect order Odonata have permanently deployed high aspect
ratio wings. Odonata have been documented to exhibit extraordinary flight
performance and a wide range of interesting flight behaviors that rely on
agility and efficiency. The characteristic three-dimensional corrugated
structures of these wings have been observed and modeled for a small
number of species, with studies showing that corrugations can provide
significant aerodynamic and structural advantages. Comprehensive museum
collections are the most practical source of Odonata wing, despite the
risk of adverse effects caused by dehydration and preservation of
specimens. Museum specimens are not to be handled or damaged and are best
left undisturbed in their display enclosures.  We have undertaken
a systematic process of scanning, modeling, and post-processing the wings
of over 80 Odonata species using a novel and accurate method and apparatus
we developed for this purpose. The method allows the samples to stay
inside their glass cases if necessary and is non-destructive. The
measurements taken have been validated against micro-computed tomography
scanning and against similar-sized objects with measured dimensions. The
resulting publicly available dataset will allow aeronautical analysis of
Odonata aerodynamics and structures, the study of the evolution of
functional structures, and research into insect ecology. The technique is
useable for other orders of insects and other fragile samples.Insect wings
are highly evolved structures with aerodynamic and structural properties
that are not fully understood or systematically modeled. Most species in
the insect order Odonata have permanently deployed high aspect ratio
wings. Odonata have been documented to exhibit extraordinary flight
performance and a wide range of interesting flight behaviors that rely on
agility and efficiency. The characteristic three-dimensional corrugated
structures of these wings have been observed and modeled for a small
number of species, with studies showing that corrugations can provide
significant aerodynamic and structural advantages. Comprehensive museum
collections are the most practical source of Odonata wing, despite the
risk of adverse effects caused by dehydration and preservation of
specimens. Museum specimens are not to be handled or damaged and are best
left undisturbed in their display enclosures.  We have undertaken
a systematic process of scanning, modeling, and post-processing the wings
of over 80 Odonata species using a novel and accurate method and apparatus
we developed for this purpose. The method allows the samples to stay
inside their glass cases if necessary and is non-destructive. The
measurements taken have been validated against micro-computed tomography
scanning and against similar-sized objects with measured dimensions. The
resulting publicly available dataset will allow aeronautical analysis of
Odonata aerodynamics and structures, the study of the evolution of
functional structures, and research into insect ecology. The technique is
useable for other orders of insects and other fragile samples.