3D Scanning for Enhanced Research: A Case of Long Flight Seabird Wings

The University of Pretoria’s Library MakerSpace is a collaborative space synonymous with innovation, interdisciplinary research and creativity. Using a collaborative mindset with a researcher from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, we sought to apply 3D scanning technologies in new ways. 3D laser scanning is a method of capturing a physical object's exact size and shape into a digital medium as a 3-dimensional representation. 3D laser scanners measure fine details and capture free-form shapes to quickly generate these digital representations as highly accurate clouds of fixed, interconnected points.

In this instance, we scanned Albatross wings using 3D laser-scanning technology. The Albatross is one of the largest and most efficient flying birds in the world, using its exceptional wingspan to glide and soar across entire oceans. To capture an accurate digital representation of their anatomy, we used an EinScan Pro 3D scanner to digitise a single wing. The 3D scanning requires a high-end computer to capture the many cloud points required for high-end scanning and rendering with high accuracy.

Using this technology, digital models of Albatross wings were attained and sourced by the researcher. Initial scanning was performed in a static environment in the MakerSpace to generate a still scan of the wing and feathers. Later, another scanning session took place inside the University’s wind tunnels in the Department of Engineering to compare the differences in flex and shape under flying and gliding conditions. This will directly enable comparable measurements and establish the mechanics of airflow of these animals for research outputs. These findings have several implications in the Aerospace industry, where aerodynamics, the study of how objects move through the air, plays a vital role in the design of next-generation aircraft, among other applications.

The purpose of the scans can be seen from two perspectives. The first is the digital preservation and accurate modelling of such wings, which is not easily accessible given the Albatross’s natural range. The second is to understand the physical principles that explain the behaviour of the wings, in the hopes that they can be applied in aeronautics.

Researcher Scanning Wing Segment

Colour images to stitch 3D Print before rendering