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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/S23032/01
Title: Measurement and dynamic modelling of flapping wings of free-flying Eristalis hoverflies
Principal Investigator: Moore, Professor AJ
Other Investigators:
Harvey, Professor A Towers, Professor DP Jones, Professor JDC
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Image Automation Ltd Photo-Sonics International Ltd Roper Scientific
Department: Sch of Engineering and Physical Science
Organisation: Heriot-Watt University
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 October 2003 Ends: 30 September 2006 Value (£): 202,643
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Aerodynamics Bioinformatics
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Aerospace, Defence and Marine
Related Grants:
GR/S23049/01 GR/S23025/01
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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Organisation Website: http://www.hw.ac.uk