Learning about Flight Via 3D Printed Bat Models

[Brian_Krassenstein]

Scientists have understood that bat heads impede them in flight in exchange for being provided with strong sensory abilities. However, a team of European researchers is turning popular scientific wisdom on its head by suggesting that bat heads, including the large external ears (pinnae), experience both drag and lift. This at minimum suggests that the heads do not have the negative aerodynamic impact that researchers have suggested. How did this new research come about? They scanned and 3D printed seven bat species, placed them on a standard printed body, and then tested them in a wind tunnel. Thanks to 3D printing, bats are a little less misunderstood now. Find out more about this research in the full article: http://3dprint.com/50207/3d-printed-bat-models/


Below is a look at the bat head designs:

[Radar]

I'm building bat models in 3ds max Maya zbrush so if anyone has reference pictures side front top bottom please send them so I can make accurate models thanks Bruce Tulsa