Nonlinear time-periodic models of the longitudinal flight dynamics of desert locusts Schistocerca gregaria.

ABSTRACT: Previous studies of insect flight control have been statistical in approach, simply correlating wing kinematics with body kinematics or force production. Kinematics and forces are linked by Newtonian mechanics, so adopting a dynamics-based approach is necessary if we are to place the study of insect flight on its proper physical footing. Here we develop semi-empirical models of the longitudinal flight dynamics of desert locusts Schistocerca gregaria. We use instantaneous force-moment measurements from individual locusts to parametrize the nonlinear rigid body equations of motion. Since the instantaneous forces are approximately periodic, we represent them using Fourier series, which are embedded in the equations of motion to give a nonlinear time-periodic (NLTP) model. This is a proper mat

SUBMITTER: Taylor GK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1664709 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature