Three-dimensional wing structure attenuates aerodynamic efficiency in flapping fly wings.

ABSTRACT: The aerial performance of flying insects ultimately depends on how flapping wings interact with the surrounding air. It has previously been suggested that the wing's three-dimensional camber and corrugation help to stiffen the wing against aerodynamic and inertial loading during flapping motion. Their contribution to aerodynamic force production, however, is under debate. Here, we investigated the potential benefit of three-dimensional wing shape in three different-sized species of flies using models of micro-computed tomography-scanned natural wings and models in which we removed either the wing's camber, corrugation, or both properties. Forces and aerodynamic power requirements during root flapping were derived from three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics modelling. Our data show

SUBMITTER: Engels T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7115228 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature