Drag reduction by reconfiguration of highly flexible structures subjected to fluid flow

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In most traditional engineering applications, structures are designed to be stiff such that the loads they must bear do not deform them substantially. In nature, the contrary is true. Especially when it comes to fluid loading, natural structures tend to be compliant and flexible whereas man-made structures are rigid and unyielding. Plants, which seek to maximize their surface area to capture the most sunlight, make use of their flexibility by changing their shape when they are subjected to a fluid loading, whether water flow or wind. We say that they reconfigure.