scholarly journals Power of the wingbeat: modelling the effects of flapping wings in vertebrate flight

2015 ◽  
Vol 471 (2177) ◽  
pp. 20140952 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Klein Heerenbrink ◽  
L. C. Johansson ◽  
A. Hedenström
Keyword(s):  
Energetic Cost ◽  
Flight Performance ◽  
Large Parameter ◽  
Body Area ◽  
Wingbeat Frequency ◽  
Wing Area ◽  
Wing Motion ◽  
Animal Flight ◽  
Flight Model ◽  
Blade Element

Animal flight performance has been studied using models developed for man-made aircraft. For an aeroplane with fixed wings, the energetic cost as a function of flight speed can be expressed in terms of weight, wing span, wing area and body area, where more details are included in proportionality coefficients. Flying animals flap their wings to produce thrust. Adopting the fixed wing flight model implicitly incorporates the effects of wing flapping in the coefficients. However, in practice, these effects have been ignored. In this paper, the effects of reciprocating wing motion on the coefficients of the fixed wing aerodynamic power model for forward flight are explicitly formulated in terms of thrust requirement, wingbeat frequency and stroke-plane angle, for optimized wingbeat amplitudes. The expressions are obtained by simulating flights over a large parameter range using an optimal vortex wake method combined with a low-level blade element method. The results imply that previously assumed acceptable values for the induced power factor might be strongly underestimated. The results also show the dependence of profile power on wing kinematics. The expressions introduced in this paper can be used to significantly improve animal flight models.

scholarly journals Foraging in an unsteady world: bumblebee flight performance in field-realistic turbulence

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 20160086 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. Crall ◽  
J. J. Chang ◽  
R. L. Oppenheimer ◽  
S. A. Combes
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Insect Flight ◽  
Energetic Cost ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Flight Performance ◽  
Wingbeat Frequency ◽  
Wind Speeds ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Outdoor Environments ◽  
Stroke Amplitude

Natural environments are characterized by variable wind that can pose significant challenges for flying animals and robots. However, our understanding of the flow conditions that animals experience outdoors and how these impact flight performance remains limited. Here, we combine laboratory and field experiments to characterize wind conditions encountered by foraging bumblebees in outdoor environments and test the effects of these conditions on flight. We used radio-frequency tags to track foraging activity of uniquely identified bumblebee ( Bombus impatiens ) workers, while simultaneously recording local wind flows. Despite being subjected to a wide range of speeds and turbulence intensities, we find that bees do not avoid foraging in windy conditions. We then examined the impacts of turbulence on bumblebee flight in a wind tunnel. Rolling instabilities increased in turbulence, but only at higher wind speeds. Bees displayed higher mean wingbeat frequency and stroke amplitude in these conditions, as well as increased asymmetry in stroke amplitude—suggesting that bees employ an array of active responses to enable flight in turbulence, which may increase the energetic cost of flight. Our results provide the first direct evidence that moderate, environmentally relevant turbulence affects insect flight performance, and suggest that flying insects use diverse mechanisms to cope with these instabilities.

scholarly journals Morphology, flight performance, and water crossing tendencies of Afro-Palearctic raptors during migration

2015 ◽  
Vol 61 (6) ◽  
pp. 951-958 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolantonio Agostini ◽  
Michele Panuccio ◽  
Cristian Pasquaretta
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Aspect Ratio ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Energetic Cost ◽  
Flight Performance ◽  
Energetic Costs ◽  
Wing Area ◽  
Gliding Flight ◽  
Water Surfaces ◽  
Maximum Water

Abstract Raptors primarily use soaring-gliding flight which exploits thermals and ridge lifts over land to reduce energetic costs. However during migration, these birds often have to cross water surfaces where thermal currents are weak; during these times, birds mainly use flapping (powered) flight which increases energy consumption and mortality risk. As a result, some species have evolved strategies to reduce the amount of time spent over water by taking extensive detours over land. In this paper, we conducted a meta-analysis of water-crossing tendencies in Afro-Palearctic migrating raptors in relation to their morphology, their flight performance, and their phylogenetic relationships. In particular, we considered the aspect ratio (calculated as the wing span squared divided by wing area), the energetic cost of powered flight, and the maximum water crossing length regularly performed by adult birds. Our results suggest that energy consumption during powered flight predominately affects the ability of raptors to fly over water surfaces.

Shape of wing wear fails to affect load lifting in common eastern bumble bees (Bombus impatiens) with experimental wing wear

2015 ◽  
Vol 93 (7) ◽  
pp. 531-537 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan C. Roberts ◽  
Ralph V. Cartar
Keyword(s):  
Effect Size ◽  
Maximum Load ◽  
Bumble Bees ◽  
Bombus Impatiens ◽  
Detectable Effect ◽  
Flight Performance ◽  
Wingbeat Frequency ◽  
Wing Area ◽  
Irreversible Damage ◽  
Wing Wear

Wing wear reflects the accumulation of irreversible damage to an insect’s wings over its lifetime and this damage should influence flight performance. In the case of bumble bees, flight seems robust to variation in wing-area asymmetry and air pressure, but not to loss of wing area. However, how the pattern of wing wear affects flight performance remains unstudied. In nature, wing wear typically occurs in a ragged and haphazard pattern along the wing’s trailing margin, a shape strikingly different from the straight cut applied in past studies. In this study, we test if shape of wing wear (implemented as four distinct treatments plus a control) affects maximum load-lifting capabilities and wingbeat frequency of worker common eastern bumble bees (Bombus impatiens Cresson, 1863). We found that shape of wing wear of 171 mg bees had no detectable effect on maximum load-lifting capability (detectable effect size = 18 mg) or on wingbeat frequency (detectable effect size = 15 Hz), but that loss of wing area reduced load-lifting capability and increased wingbeat frequency. The importance of wing area in explaining the load-lifting ability of bumble bees is reinforced in this study. But, paradoxically, shape of wing wear did not detectably affect lift generation, which is determined by unsteady aerodynamic forces in these lift-reliant insects.

scholarly journals Surpassing Mt. Everest: extreme flight performance of alpine bumble-bees

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 20130922 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael E. Dillon ◽  
Robert Dudley
Keyword(s):  
Bumble Bees ◽  
Bumble Bee ◽  
Flight Performance ◽  
Excess Capacity ◽  
Wingbeat Frequency ◽  
Hovering Flight ◽  
Primary Means ◽  
Animal Flight ◽  
High Elevations ◽  
Stroke Amplitude

Animal flight at altitude involves substantial aerodynamic and physiological challenges. Hovering at high elevations is particularly demanding from the dual perspectives of lift and power output; nevertheless, some volant insects reside and fly at elevations in excess of 4000 m. Here, we demonstrate that alpine bumble-bees possess substantial aerodynamic reserves, and can sustain hovering flight under hypobaria at effective elevations in excess of 9000 m, i.e. higher than Mt. Everest. Modulation of stroke amplitude and not wingbeat frequency is the primary means of compensation for overcoming the aerodynamic challenge. The presence of such excess capacity in a high-altitude bumble-bee is surprising and suggests intermittent behavioural demands for extreme flight performance supplemental to routine foraging.

Scaling bat wingbeat frequency and amplitude

2002 ◽  
Vol 205 (17) ◽  
pp. 2615-2626 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. D. Bullen ◽  
N. L. McKenzie
Keyword(s):  
Lower Half ◽  
Flight Speed ◽  
Simple Relationship ◽  
Wingbeat Frequency ◽  
Wing Area ◽  
High Speeds ◽  
Second Mode ◽  
Speed Range

SUMMARYWingbeat frequency (fw) and amplitude(θw) were measured for 23 species of Australian bat,representing two sub-orders and six families. Maximum values were between 4 and 13 Hz for fw, and between 90 and 150° forθ w, depending on the species. Wingbeat frequency for each species was found to vary only slightly with flight speed over the lower half of the speed range. At high speeds, frequency is almost independent of velocity. Wingbeat frequency (Hz) depends on bat mass (m, kg) and flight speed (V, ms-1) according to the equation: fw=5.54-3.068log10m-2.857log10V. This simple relationship applies to both sub-orders and to all six families of bats studied. For 21 of the 23 species, the empirical values were within 1 Hz of the model values. One species, a small molossid, also had a second mode of flight in which fw was up to 3 Hz lower for all flight speeds.The following relationship predicts wingbeat amplitude to within±15° from flight speed and wing area (SREF,m2) at all flight speeds:θ w=56.92+5.18V+16.06log10SREF. This equation is based on data up to and including speeds that require maximum wingbeat amplitude to be sustained. For most species, the maximum wingbeat amplitude was 140°.

The Role of Vortices and Unsteady Effects During the Hovering Flight of Dragonflies

1979 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
STUART B. SAVAGE ◽  
BARRY G. NEWMAN ◽  
DENIS T.-M. WONG
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Flow Field ◽  
Flow Visualization ◽  
Inviscid Flow ◽  
Physical Explanation ◽  
Hovering Flight ◽  
Wing Motion ◽  
Unsteady Effects ◽  
Animal Flight

Weis-Fogh and Norberg concluded that steady-state aerodynamics is incapable of explaining how the dragonfly supports its weight during hovering. Norberg also concluded that the wing kinematics of Aeschna juncea L., as determined photographically, are incompatible with those proposed by Weis-Fogh for his Flip mechanism. The present paper has proposed an alternative lift-generating mechanism, various aspects of which are novel from the standpoint of animal flight. Flow visualization tests performed in water established the flow field during a complete cycle of the idealized wing motion. Using this information and unsteady inviscid flow theory the forces were analysed. A plausible balance of horizontal forces and more than sufficient lift were obtained. A physical explanation of the theory is provided for those who do not wish to study the mathematical details.

scholarly journals Kinematics Measurement and Power Requirements of Fruitflies at Various Flight Speeds

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 4271
Author(s):  
Hao Jie Zhu ◽  
Mao Sun
Keyword(s):  
The Body ◽  
Flight Speed ◽  
Specific Power ◽  
Flight Performance ◽  
Wingbeat Frequency ◽  
Body Angle ◽  
Flying Insects ◽  
Speed Range ◽  
Full Speed ◽  
Stroke Amplitude

Energy expenditure is a critical characteristic in evaluating the flight performance of flying insects. To investigate how the energy cost of small-sized insects varies with flight speed, we measured the detailed wing and body kinematics in the full speed range of fruitflies and computed the aerodynamic forces and power requirements of the flies. As flight speed increases, the body angle decreases and the stroke plane angle increases; the wingbeat frequency only changes slightly; the geometrical angle of attack in the middle upstroke increases; the stroke amplitude first decreases and then increases. The mechanical power of the fruitflies at all flight speeds is dominated by aerodynamic power (inertial power is very small), and the magnitude of aerodynamic power in upstroke increases significantly at high flight speeds due to the increase of the drag and the flapping velocity of the wing. The specific power (power required for flight divided by insect weigh) changes little when the advance ratio is below about 0.45 and afterwards increases sharply. That is, the specific power varies with flight speed according to a J-shaped curve, unlike those of aircrafts, birds and large-sized insects which vary with flight speed according to a U-shaped curve.

scholarly journals Effects of Feather Lice on Flight Behavior of Male Barn Swallows (Hirundo Rustica)

The Auk ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 213-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Barbosa ◽  
S. Merino ◽  
Fde Lope ◽  
A. P. Møller
Keyword(s):  
Parasite Load ◽  
Hirundo Rustica ◽  
Flight Behavior ◽  
Flight Performance ◽  
Wingbeat Frequency ◽  
Feather Lice ◽  
Locomotory Performance ◽  
Flight Parameters ◽  
Barn Swallows ◽  
Foraging Flight

Abstract Parasites may affect host behavior in a number of ways, including their locomotory performance. We investigated whether the number of holes produced by the feather louse (Myrsidea rustica) affected flight behavior in adult male Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) by video-taping flight performance of individuals during escape and level flight. Percentage of time spent flapping during foraging flight was positively related to number of holes, but not to other flight parameters such as wingbeat frequency. These results suggest indirect effects of feather lice on host performance that must be considered together with effects of thermoregulation and feather breakage. This is the first report of an effect of parasite load on flight behavior.

scholarly journals Modeling and Control of a Dragonfly-Like Robot

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Micael S. Couceiro ◽  
N. M. Fonseca Ferreira ◽  
J. A. Tenreiro Machado
Keyword(s):  
System Performance ◽  
Computational Simulation ◽  
The Other ◽  
Control Algorithms ◽  
Kinematics And Dynamics ◽  
Flight Performance ◽  
Modeling And Control ◽  
Wing Motion ◽  
Simulation Based ◽  
And Control

Dragonflies demonstrate unique and superior flight performances than most of the other insect species and birds. They are equipped with two pairs of independently controlled wings granting an unmatchable flying performance and robustness. In this paper, the dynamics of a dragonfly-inspired robot is studied. The system performance is analyzed in terms of time response and robustness. The development of computational simulation based on the dynamics of the robotic dragonfly allows the test of different control algorithms. We study different movements, the dynamics, and the level of dexterity in wing motion of the dragonfly. The results are positive for the construction of flying platforms that effectively mimic the kinematics and dynamics of dragonflies and potentially exhibit superior flight performance than existing flying platforms.

Robust flight performance of bumble bees with artificially induced wing wear

2008 ◽  
Vol 86 (7) ◽  
pp. 668-675 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Haas ◽  
R. V. Cartar
Keyword(s):  
Bumble Bees ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Flight Performance ◽  
Wing Area ◽  
Mean Velocity ◽  
Flight Behaviour ◽  
Maximum Acceleration ◽  
High Loss ◽  
Wing Wear ◽  
High Asymmetry

We lack a mechanism that links wing wear with mortality in foraging social insects. This study tests the hypothesis that wing wear strongly degrades foraging flight performance, thereby providing a biomechanical explanation for the wing wear – mortality relationship. We examine the effect of simulated wing wear — wing area reduction and asymmetry — on the flight behaviour of bumble bee ( Bombus flavifrons Cresson, 1863) workers moving between vertically oriented flowers spaced 30 cm apart and arranged in a two-dimensional horizontal grid. Flight behaviour was measured in three dimensions as total flying distance, mean velocity, variability of velocity, maximum acceleration, maximum deceleration, percentage of time spent accelerating, and displacement from a straight line path between flowers. Loss of wing area had surprisingly little effect on flight behaviour. Viewed multivariately, bees with low asymmetry and low loss of mean area, or with high asymmetry and high loss of mean area, differed from the other three treatment groups. When bees were burdened with both high asymmetry and high loss of wing area, their between-flower flight path was less direct. Overall, flight behaviour of bumble bees was highly resilient to major changes in wing area and asymmetry in this simple foraging environment. The wing wear-associated causes of increased mortality remain elusive.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document