Session R21: Focus Session: Biological Hydrodynamics

2:30 PM–5:18 PM, Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Baltimore Convention Center - 318

Sponsoring Units: DFD DBP
Chair: Ray Goldstein, University of Arizona

Abstract ID: BAPS.2006.MAR.R21.11

Abstract: R21.00011 : Wake characteristics of a model ornithopter

4:54 PM–5:06 PM

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Authors:

  Alfredo Juarez
    (New Mexico State University)

  Jacob Harlow
    (New Mexico State University)

  James Allen
    (New Mexico State University)

  Paulo Ferreira de Sousa

This paper details unsteady wake measurements from a model Ornithopther flying in a wind tunnel at representative flight conditions. Testing over a range of Strouhal number, 0.1-0.3, shows that the unsteady wake is composed of coherent vortical structures that resemble vortex rings. A single ring is formed in the wake of each wing during one wing beat. Momentum balance from velocity field measurements are reconciled with unsteady lift and drag measurements from a drag balance.

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2006.MAR.R21.11