Kinematics of dragonfly (Sympetrum flaveolum) flight

Y. H. Chen, Y. Zhao, W. M. Huang, D. W. Shu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

The kinematics of the flapping flight of the dragonfly Sympetrum flaveolum is investigated. The flapping patterns of the hindwing are recorded and studied thoroughly using a high speed video camera with the highest shuttle speed and resolution as reported so far on study of insect flights. The overall results indicate that the flapping pattern of a dragonfly hindwing at the nodus and the pterostigma can be either a simple figure-eight or a double figure-eight, which is a new discovery. The angle of attack and the wing attitude are studied quantitatively. The relative position of the leading edge and trailing edge implies the presence of lift-enhancing mechanisms after stroke reversal. It is also found that the spanwise leading edge spar of a dragonfly wing is not one rigid piece, but two pieces hinged at the nodus with physical constraint of forty degrees. The elastic modulus of the costa of a hindwing is estimated through vibration tests using a vibrometer.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication6th World Congress of Biomechanics, WCB 2010 - In Conjunction with 14th International Conference on Biomedical Engineering, ICBME and 5th Asia Pacific Conference on Biomechanics, APBiomech
Pages56-59
Number of pages4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010
Event6th World Congress of Biomechanics, WCB 2010 - In Conjunction with 14th International Conference on Biomedical Engineering, ICBME and 5th Asia Pacific Conference on Biomechanics, APBiomech - Singapore, Singapore
Duration: Aug 1 2010Aug 6 2010

Publication series

NameIFMBE Proceedings
Volume31 IFMBE
ISSN (Print)1680-0737

Other

Other6th World Congress of Biomechanics, WCB 2010 - In Conjunction with 14th International Conference on Biomedical Engineering, ICBME and 5th Asia Pacific Conference on Biomechanics, APBiomech
Country/TerritorySingapore
CitySingapore
Period8/1/108/6/10

Keywords

  • dragonfly
  • flapping trajectory
  • kinematics
  • nodus mobility
  • trailing edge movement

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Biomedical Engineering

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