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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/S23025/01
Title: Measurement and dynamic modelling of flapping wings of free-flyingEristalis hoverflies
Principal Investigator: Zbikowski, Professor R
Other Investigators:
Knowles, Professor K Lawson, Visiting Professor NJ White, Professor B
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
NASA
Department: Cranfield Defence and Security
Organisation: Cranfield University
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 03 November 2003 Ends: 02 November 2006 Value (£): 117,690
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Aerodynamics Development (Biosciences)
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Aerospace, Defence and Marine
Related Grants:
GR/S23049/01 GR/S23032/01
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The remarkable manoeuvrability of insect flight is in part due to deformation (torsion, camber change and transverse bending) of the wing during cycle, as evidenced by photographs. Aeroelasticity (the combination of unsteady aerodynamics and the elasticity of the wing) is therefore signific the description of insect flight. A theoretical framework describing aeroelastic flapping-flight does not exist, because kinematic data and instantar force measurements for flapping wings in free flight are not available. The subject of this proposal is an integrated experimental and theoretical programme aimed at collecting hitherto unavailable kinematic data (deformation, velocity and acceleration) for hovering insects in free flight. The will be used to develop a fundamental understanding of insect flight and to underpin novel aeroelastic modelling of flapping wings. We propose u Eristalis hoverflies that hover as part of their natural territorial behaviour repertoire. Spatially dense kinematic data will be inferred using high-spe digital cameras of accessible cost that have only become available relatively recently.
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Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.cranfield.ac.uk