Xinyan Deng

University of Delaware, Purdue University West Lafayette

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Xinyan Deng is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of biological locomotion and bio-inspired robotics, with a focus on understanding and replicating the remarkable flight and swimming mechanics found in nature. Her work spans aerodynamics, micro-aerial vehicles, and underwater robotics, drawing inspiration from some of nature's most agile creatures to advance the design of next-generation robotic systems. Among her most notable contributions is the development of dynamically scaled robotic dragonfly wing models to investigate the complex aerodynamic interactions between forewings and hindwings during flight, work that has garnered 11 citations and shed light on how phase relationships between wing pairs influence lift generation. Complementing this, her team engineered an impressively lightweight 2.86-gram robotic insect capable of flapping at frequencies up to 65Hz, yielding precise lift measurements and deepening our understanding of high-frequency flapping aerodynamics. Her research extends beneath the water's surface as well, with bio-inspired robotic fish designs modeled on the boxfish, exploring multi-fin maneuverability in compact underwater systems. Deng's interdisciplinary approach — combining fluid mechanics, biological observation, and mechanical engineering — makes her a significant voice in the growing field of bio-inspired robotics, offering valuable insights for students and engineers designing agile small-scale autonomous vehicles.