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Leading-edge vortices in insect flight
Reference
S06860
Principal Investigator / Supervisor
Professor Charles Ellington
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Dr Robin Wootton
Institution
University of Cambridge
Department
Zoology
Funding type
Research
Value (£)
188,754
Status
Completed
Type
Research Grant
Start date
01/05/1997
End date
01/05/2000
Duration
36 months
Abstract
Smoke flow visualisation and particle image velocimetry (PIV) will be used to investigate the recently discovered conical leading-edge vortex with strong axial flow that explains the high lift generation of hawkmoth wings. This vortex represents a type of dynamic stall, developed during translational motion of the wings, and is probably exploited by most insects. The effects of kinematic variation and wing details (planform, aspect ratio, venation pattern and leading edge structure) on boundary layer flow, vortex shedding and stability will be investigated using the flapper - a mechanical model of flying insects. Potential applications to propellers of comparable Reynolds number and aspect ratio will also be examined.
Summary
unavailable
Committee
Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research Topics
X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority
X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative
X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme
X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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