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We integrated high-speed photogrammetry, 3D surface reconstruction, and immersed-boundary-method-based numerical simulations to explore the underlying flow physics of freely flying insects and canonical flapping propulsion.

Bio-Inspired Propulsion
 

Butterfly Takeoff

Butterfly_takeoff_v1.gif

Dragonfly Turning Maneuver

wing_body_kinematics_MAYA_v5_croped.png
dfly_maneuver_Re778_per_v2.gif

Pitching-Rolling Plate

3D_wake_topology_5thCycle_per_topView.gi
wake_topology_St=0d6_Re200_S1_S2_S4_v2.p

Effects of a Dynamic Trailing-edge Flap in Hovering Flight

positive camber.gif

Positive dynamic camber

negative camber.gif

Negative dynamic camber

  1. Chengyu Li, Haibo Dong, and Geng Liu, "Effects of a dynamic trailing-edge flap on the aerodynamic performance and flow structures in hovering flight," Journal of Fluids and Structures 58, 49-65 (2015). [Link]

  2. Chengyu Li and Haibo Dong, "Three-dimensional wake topology and propulsive performance of low-aspect-ratio pitching-rolling plates," Physics of Fluids 28, 071901 (2016). [Link]

  3. Chengyu Li and Haibo Dong, "Wing kinematics measurement and aerodynamics of a dragonfly in turning flight," Bioinspiration & Biomimetics 12, 026001 (2017). [Link]

  4. Menglong Lei and Chengyu Li, "The aerodynamic performance of passive wing pitch in hovering flight," Physics of Fluids 32, 051902 (2020). [Link]

  5. Yun Liu, Angel Lozano, Tyson Hedrick, and Chengyu Li, "Comparison of experimental and numerical studies on the flow structures of hovering hawkmoths," Journal of Fluids and Structures 107, 103405 (2021). [Link]

  6. Seth Lionetti, Tyson Hedrick, and Chengyu Li, "Aerodynamic explanation of flight speed limits in hawkmoth-like flapping-wing insects" Physical Review Fluids 7,093104 (2022). [Link]

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