Energy efficiency plays important role in aeroelastic design of flying wing aircraft and may be attained by use of lightweight structures as well as solar energy. NATASHA (Nonlinear Aeroelastic Trim And Stability of HALE Aircraft) is a newly developed computer program which uses a nonlinear composite beam theory that eliminates the difficulties in aeroelastic simulations of flexible high-aspect-ratio wings which undergoes large deformation, as well as the singularities due to finite rotations. NATASHA has shown that proper engine placement could significantly increase the aeroelastic flight envelope which typically leads to more flexible and lighter aircraft. The areas of minimum kinetic energy for the lower frequency modes are in accordance with the zones with maximum flutter speed and have the potential to save computational effort. Another aspect of energy efficiency for High Altitude, Long Endurance (HALE) drones stems from needing to minimize energy consumption because of limitations on the source of energy, that is, solar power. NATASHA is capable of simulating the aeroelastic passive morphing maneuver (i.e., morphing without relying on actuators) and at as near zero energy cost as possible of the aircraft so as the solar panels installed on the wing are in maximum exposure to sun during different time of the day.

Body-freedom flutter characteristics of flying wing aircraft vary with engine placement. Here, we show why a certain design parameter (engine placement) influences the aeroelastic flight envelope of the aircraft. The approach is based on the constructal law and the principle that a design that avoids stress strangulations provides better access to the flows that inhabit the system. This is in sharp contrast with trial-and-error techniques such as optimization, which means to opt from among different choices, cases, and designs. Under the same flight condition, the flow of stresses through the aircraft wings is investigated for several configurations including those with maximum and minimum flutter speeds. The results reveal that when the stresses flow smoothly in the wings the stability of the aircraft improves. On the other hand, in the cases in which the engine location causes stress strangulation, the flutter speed decreases considerably. The most severe stress strangulation corresponds to the aircraft configuration with minimum flutter speed (i.e., engine placement at 20% span behind the reference line). The smoothest flow of stresses happens in the configuration with maximum flutter speed (i.e., engine placement at 80% span forward of the reference line).

Origami, the art of paper folding, has long fascinated researchers and designers in its potential to replicate and tap the complexity of nature. In this paper, we pursue the crossing of origami engineering structures and biology, the realm of biologically-inspired origami structures categorized by the two biggest taxonomy kingdoms and DNA origami. Given the diversity of life forms that Earth comprises, we pursue an analysis of biomimetic designs that resemble intricate patterns and functionalities occurring in nature. Our research begins by setting out a taxonomic framework for the classification of origami structures based on biologically important kingdoms. From each of these, we explore the engineering structures inspired by morphological features, behaviors, and ecological adaptations of organisms. We also discuss implications in realms such as sustainability, biomaterials development, and bioinspired robotics. Thus, by parlaying the principles found in nature’s design playbook through the art of folding, biologically inspired origami becomes fertile ground for interdisciplinary collaboration and creativity. Through this approach, we aim to inspire readers, researchers, and designers to embark on a journey of discovery in which the boundaries between art, science, and nature are blurred, providing a foundation for innovation to thrive.