Addition of Artificial Loads to Long-Eared Bats Plecotus Auritus: Handicapping Flight Performance

1991 ◽  
Vol 161 (1) ◽  
pp. 285-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
PATSY M. HUGHES ◽  
JEREMY M. V. RAYNER

A series of experiments is described in which two brown long-eared bats Plecotus auritus Linnaeus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) were flown in a 1mx1mx4.5m flight enclosure at a range of body masses (n=9 experiments for a female bat, and n = 11 for a male bat). The highest three of these masses incorporated artificial loads. Stroboscopic stereophotogrammetry was used to make three-dimensional reconstructions (n=124) of the bats' flight paths. Over the entire range of experiments, wing loading was increased by 44% for the female and 46% for the male bat. Effects arising from captivity were controlled for: experiments at certain wing loadings were repeated after a period in captivity and the response to load was found to be unaltered. Flight speed fell with total mass M or with wing loading, varying as M−0.49 in the female and M−0.42 in the male bat. Wingbeat frequency increased with total mass or wing loading, varying as M0.61 in the female and M0.44in the male bat. Hence frequency, but not speed, changed with mass in the direction predicted by aerodynamic theory. These results were used in a mathematical model to predict wingbeat amplitude, flight power and cost of transport. The model was also used to estimate the optimal flight speeds Vmr and Vmp. The model predicted that amplitude increases with load. Measurements of wingbeat amplitude did not differ significantly from the predicted values. The observed flight speed was below the predicted minimum power speed Vmp (which increases with load), and diverged further from this with progressive loading. The increase in cost of flight calculated by the model over the range of wing loadings was approximately double that which it would have been had the bats adopted the optimal approach predicted by the model. The limitations inherent in the theoretical model, and the possible constraints acting on the animals, are discussed.

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 211072
Author(s):  
Per Henningsson

Animals flying in the wild often show remarkable abilities to negotiate obstacles and narrow openings in complex environments. Impressive as these abilities are, this must result in costs in terms of impaired flight performance. In this study, I used a budgerigar as a model for studying these costs. The bird was filmed in stereo when flying through a wide range of gap widths from well above wingspan down to a mere 1/4 of wingspan. Three-dimensional flight trajectories were acquired and speed, wingbeat frequency and accelerations/decelerations were calculated. The bird used two different wing postures to get through the gaps and could use very small safety margins (down to 6 mm on either side) but preferred to use larger when gap width allowed. When gaps were smaller than wingspan, flight speed was reduced with reducing gap width down to half for the smallest and wingbeat frequency was increased. I conclude that flying through gaps potentially comes with multiple types of cost to a bird of which the main may be: (i) reduced flight speed increases the flight duration and hence the energy consumption to get from point A to B , (ii) the underlying U-shaped speed to power relationship means further cost from reduced flight speed, and associated with it (iii) elevated wingbeat frequency includes a third direct cost.


1990 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 216-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. De Eskinazi ◽  
K. Ishihara ◽  
H. Volk ◽  
T. C. Warholic

Abstract The paper describes the intention of the authors to determine whether it is possible to predict relative belt edge endurance for radial passenger car tires using the finite element method. Three groups of tires with different belt edge configurations were tested on a fleet test in an attempt to validate predictions from the finite element results. A two-dimensional, axisymmetric finite element analysis was first used to determine if the results from such an analysis, with emphasis on the shear deformations between the belts, could be used to predict a relative ranking for belt edge endurance. It is shown that such an analysis can lead to erroneous conclusions. A three-dimensional analysis in which tires are modeled under free rotation and static vertical loading was performed next. This approach resulted in an improvement in the quality of the correlations. The differences in the predicted values of various stress analysis parameters for the three belt edge configurations are studied and their implication on predicting belt edge endurance is discussed.


2001 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 312-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernard Harper ◽  
Richard Latto

Stereo scene capture and generation is an important facet of presence research in that stereoscopic images have been linked to naturalness as a component of reported presence. Three-dimensional images can be captured and presented in many ways, but it is rare that the most simple and “natural” method is used: full orthostereoscopic image capture and projection. This technique mimics as closely as possible the geometry of the human visual system and uses convergent axis stereography with the cameras separated by the human interocular distance. It simulates human viewing angles, magnification, and convergences so that the point of zero disparity in the captured scene is reproduced without disparity in the display. In a series of experiments, we have used this technique to investigate body image distortion in photographic images. Three psychophysical experiments compared size, weight, or shape estimations (perceived waist-hip ratio) in 2-D and 3-D images for the human form and real or virtual abstract shapes. In all cases, there was a relative slimming effect of binocular disparity. A well-known photographic distortion is the perspective flattening effect of telephoto lenses. A fourth psychophysical experiment using photographic portraits taken at different distances found a fattening effect with telephoto lenses and a slimming effect with wide-angle lenses. We conclude that, where possible, photographic inputs to the visual system should allow it to generate the cyclopean point of view by which we normally see the world. This is best achieved by viewing images made with full orthostereoscopic capture and display geometry. The technique can result in more-accurate estimations of object shape or size and control of ocular suppression. These are assets that have particular utility in the generation of realistic virtual environments.


1993 ◽  
Vol 183 (1) ◽  
pp. 217-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Sunada ◽  
K. Kawachi ◽  
I. Watanabe ◽  
A. Azuma

A series of experiments on three-dimensional ‘near fling’ was carried out. Two pairs of plates, rectangular and triangular, were selected, and the distance between the rotation axes of the two plates of each pair was varied. The motion of the plates as well as the forces and the moment were measured, and the interference between the two plates of a pair was studied. In addition, a method of numerical calculation was developed to aid in the understanding of the experimental results. The interference between the two plates of a pair, which acted to increase both the added mass of each plate and the hydrodynamic force due to dynamic pressure, was noted only when the opening angle between the plates was small. The hydrodynamic forces were strongly influenced by separated vortices that occurred during the rotation. A method of numerical calculation, which took into account the effect both of interference between the plates and of separated vortices, was developed to give adequate accuracy in analyzing beating wings in ‘near fling’.


2002 ◽  
Vol 205 (17) ◽  
pp. 2615-2626 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. D. Bullen ◽  
N. L. McKenzie

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°.


2021 ◽  
pp. 105566562110363
Author(s):  
Jiuli Zhao ◽  
Hengyuan Ma ◽  
Yongqian Wang ◽  
Tao Song ◽  
Chanyuan Jiang ◽  
...  

Objective Palatoplasty would involve the structures around the pterygoid hamulus. However, clinicians hold different opinions on the optimal approach for the muscles and palatine aponeurosis around the pterygoid hamulus. The absence of a consensus regarding this point can be attributed to the lack of investigations on the exact anatomy of this region. Therefore, we used micro-computed tomography to examine the anatomical structure of the region surrounding the pterygoid hamulus. Design Cadaveric specimens were stained with iodine–potassium iodide and scanned by micro-computed tomography to study the structures of the tissues, particularly the muscle fibers. We imported Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine images to Mimics to reconstruct a 3-dimensional model and simplified the model. Results Three muscles were present around the pterygoid hamulus, namely the palatopharyngeus (PP), superior constrictor (SC), and tensor veli palatini (TVP). The hamulus connects these muscles as a key pivot. The TVP extended to the palatine aponeurosis, which bypassed the pterygoid hamulus, and linked the PP and SC. Some muscle fibers of the SC originated from the hamulus, the aponeurosis of which was wrapped around the hamulus. There was a distinct gap between the pterygoid hamulus and the palatine aponeurosis. This formed a pulley-like structure around the pterygoid hamulus. Conclusions Transection or fracture of the palatine aponeurosis or pterygoid hamulus, respectively, may have detrimental effects on the muscles around the pterygoid hamulus, which play essential roles in the velopharyngeal function and middle ear ventilation. Currently, cleft palate repair has limited treatment options with proven successful outcomes.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Becciu ◽  
Michele Panuccio ◽  
Giacomo Dell'Omo ◽  
Nir Sapir

Atmospheric conditions are known to affect flight propensity, behaviour during flight, and migration route in birds. Yet, the effects of fog have only been rarely studied, although they could disrupt orientation and hamper the accomplishment of the journey. Soaring migrants modulate their flight speed and direction in relation to the wind vector to optimize the cost of transport. Fog could limit the visibility of migrating birds such that they might not be able to detect landmarks that guide them during their journey. Consequently, landmark-based orientation, as well as adjustments of flight speed and direction in relation to wind conditions, could be jeopardized when flying in fog. Using a radar system that operated in a migration bottleneck (Strait of Messina, Italy), we studied the behaviour of soaring birds under variable wind and fog conditions over two consecutive springs (2016 and 2017), discovering that migrating birds exhibited a wider scatter of flight directions and responded differently to wind conditions under fog conditions. Birds flying through fog deviated more from the mean migration direction and increased their speed with increasing crosswinds. In addition, airspeed and groundspeed increased in the direction of the crosswind, causing a lateral drift of the individuals. Furthermore, the response to tailwind was opposite to that predicted by optimal migration theory. Our findings represent the first quantitative empirical evidence of flight behaviour changes when birds migrate through fog and explain why low visibility conditions could risk their migration journey.


Author(s):  
David A. Hopkins ◽  
Stephen A. Wilkerson

Abstract A series of experiments were recently conducted in an attempt to reduce the dynamic motions of the M256 gun system during firing. Data collected during these experiments included the motion of the gun tube and breech mechanism for both the standard (unbalanced) configuration and a modified system in which mass was added such that the breech center of gravity (CG) was coincident with the gun tube centerline. The results indicated a noticeable change in the dynamic motions between these two configurations. Prior experiments indicated that the unbalanced breech drops several tenths of a millimeter during the firing cycle. Also, the gun tube whipping motion, which is induced by the powder pressure couple, vibrates the gun in a similar fashion regardless of ammunition type. Furthermore, the gun tube shape at shot exit always resembles a distorted sine wave. This behavior was noted for both heat and kinetic energy (KE) munitions in previous unbalanced breech tests conducted with the M256 gun. However, when the breech is balanced, the dynamics of the entire system change in both shape and magnitude of displacement. This report attempts to explain the results of the tests performed. This was accomplished using a three-dimensional (3-D), transient, finite element (FE) model of the entire system, which included breech, gun tube, trunnion mount, recoil, and projectile. Results from these calculations provide an explanation of the observed behavior of the system. Insight acquired about the nature of the system’s behavior was then used to propose several simple improvements to the M256 gun system which can be applied to gun systems in general. Implementation of these changes should decrease the shot-to-shot variability associated with gun accuracy.


Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wieslaw L Nowinski ◽  
Varsha Gupta ◽  
Guoyu Qian ◽  
Wojciech Ambrosius ◽  
Jie He ◽  
...  

Outcome prediction is critical in stroke patient management. We propose a novel approach combining imaging with parameters (including history, hospitalization, demographics, clinical and outcome) for a population of patients in the Probabilistic Stroke Atlas (PSA) along with prediction engine. The PSA aggregates multiplicity of data for a population of stroke patients and presents them in image format. The PSA is composed from a series of three-dimensional (3D) image volumes including scans and parameters. A cohort of over 700 ischemic stroke generally treated patients with 176 parameters per patient, and CT scan performed at admission and on day 7 was acquired. Outcome measurements were assessed up to one year after stroke onset. Cases with old infarcts, infarcts in both hemispheres, and hemorrhagic transformations were rejected. This data was post-processed to build the PSA and then the PSA was used for prediction. The infarcts were delineated on CT scans and their 3D surface models constructed and normalized. The PSA was calculated from the normalized 3D infarct models as frequency of stroke occurrence. Similar maps were calculated for the following parameters: Age; Sex; Survival; NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS); Barthel Index (BI) at 30, 90, 180, 360 days; modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 7, 30, 90, 180, 360 days; White blood cell count; C-reative protein; Glucose at emergency department; History of hypertension; and History of diabetes. The PSA was used for prediction of mRS and BI for 50 stroke subjects. For a given case to be predicted, the infarct was delineated and analyzed by the PSA mapped on the scan. The predicted values of the parameters from the PSA were compared with the actual values of the parameters measured in up to 1-year neurological follow up. The accuracy was defined as 100*(1-(actual value-predicted value)/actual value)%. The mean prediction accuracy of mRS at (7, 30, 90, 180, 360) days is (89.7, 90.7, 92.1, 87.0, 83.3)% and that for BI at (30, 90, 180, 360) days is (90.0, 95.4, 94.4, 92.2)% respectively. This novel prediction method has high prediction rates. It can be applied to any other parameters. The PSA is dynamic and its power can increase with additional cases.


Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 4271
Author(s):  
Hao Jie Zhu ◽  
Mao Sun

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.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document