Abstract
In this paper, we study the clap and fling motion of insect flights by applying an inviscid vortex shedding model. We describe separated vortices from the edges of two wings by vortex sheets and extend the model to the two bodies with symmetry. The model demonstrates sucking of leading edge vortices between the wings in the fling process. Remarkably, leading edge vortices move forward and backward as the wings close and open in the clap and fling process. We also calculate lift and drag coefficients of the wings. The numerical results show that the shedding rates at the edges increase at the rotational and acceleration phases of the fling process, which generate a large lift. When the full clap and fling stroke is taken, lift of the model dramatically increases at the rotational phase, which is much larger than results of Navier-Stokes simulations of low and moderate Reynolds numbers. This result suggests the use of the Weis-Fogh mechanism for larger insects flying at high Reynolds numbers.
16 More- Received 1 January 2018
- Revised 1 July 2018
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.98.033105
Published by the American Physical Society under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article's title, journal citation, and DOI.
Published by the American Physical Society