top of page

Bio-Inspired Propulsion

Butterfly Takeoff

We utilize an integrated experimental and computational approach to study the flow physics underlying complex biological locomotion.

Butterfly_takeoff_v1.gif

Dragonfly Turning Maneuver

We integrated high-speed photogrammetry, 3D surface reconstruction, and immersed-boundary-method-based numerical simulations to explore the underlying flow physics of freely flying dragonfly in turning maneuver.

wing_body_kinematics_MAYA_v5_croped.png
dfly_maneuver_Re778_per_v2.gif

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

Pitching-Rolling Plate

The wake topology and propulsive performance of low-aspect-ratio plates undergoing a pitching-rolling motion in a uniform stream were numerically investigated by an in-house immersed-boundary-method-based incompressible Navier-Stokes equation solver. 

3D_wake_topology_5thCycle_per_topView.gi
wake_topology_St=0d6_Re200_S1_S2_S4_v2.p

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]

Effects of a Dynamic Trailing-edge Flap in Hovering Flight

To examine the effects of wing morphing on unsteady aerodynamics, deformable flapping plates were numerically studied in a low-Reynolds-number flow. 

positive camber.gif

Positive dynamic camber

negative camber.gif

Negative dynamic camber

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]

bottom of page