Aerodynamic-force production mechanisms in hovering mosquitoes

Liu, Long-Gui; Du, Gang; Sun, Mao

doi:10.1017/jfm.2020.386

Cited by 33 publications

(41 citation statements)

References 46 publications

(72 reference statements)

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“…However, due to the vastly different and highly dynamic nature of aerodynamic force production, wing actuation and flight control are incredibly challenging. As per the latest research [2][3][4][5], the mosquito's long, slender wings flap at a moderately high frequency relative to similar insects. Experimental and numerical studies reveal aerodynamic processes that have not been seen before in this type of flight environment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 87%

“…As per the latest research [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ], the mosquito’s long, slender wings flap at a moderately high frequency relative to similar insects. Experimental and numerical studies reveal aerodynamic processes that have not been seen before in this type of flight environment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 92%

“…t 2 and t 3 show both LEV and TEV's presence, but pressure contours tell different stories due to distinct patterns on both the wing sides, which needs further examination, as in Figure 7b-d [4]. After the reference [2] study on mosquitoes in 2017, references [4,5] did some tremendous work on the unsteady aerodynamics of mosquitoes. These studies have explained the flying pattern and essential factors related to mosquito flight with computational and experimental aerodynamics.…”

Section: Kinematic Patternsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Furthermore, wake from a previous stroke could be harmful to force generation. Reference [ 5 ] suggested that force peaks and stroke-related descriptions in Bomphrey’s [ 2 ] study were not explained clearly. A thorough investigation is needed further to understand the full benefits of high-frequency flapping and low stroke amplitudes in mosquitoes.…”

Section: Wing Beat Frequency and Stroke Amplitudementioning

confidence: 99%

“…TEV capture during the stroke cycle is a kind of wake capture because it depends upon induced flow during the half stroke. The parameter representing the unsteady effect is the Strouhal number, which is inversely proportional to stroke amplitude [ 5 ]. The Strouhal number (St) optimal range is: 0.2 < St < 0.4 for efficient flying [ 43 ].…”

Section: Lift Generation Mechanismsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Study of Mosquito Aerodynamics for Imitation as a Small Robot and Flight in a Low-Density Environment

et al. 2021

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In terms of their flight and unusual aerodynamic characteristics, mosquitoes have become a new insect of interest. Despite transmitting the most significant infectious diseases globally, mosquitoes are still among the great flyers. Depending on their size, they typically beat at a high flapping frequency in the range of 600 to 800 Hz. Flapping also lets them conceal their presence, flirt, and help them remain aloft. Their long, slender wings navigate between the most anterior and posterior wing positions through a stroke amplitude about 40 to 45°, way different from their natural counterparts (>120°). Most insects use leading-edge vortex for lift, but mosquitoes have additional aerodynamic characteristics: rotational drag, wake capture reinforcement of the trailing-edge vortex, and added mass effect. A comprehensive look at the use of these three mechanisms needs to be undertaken—the pros and cons of high-frequency, low-stroke angles, operating far beyond the normal kinematic boundary compared to other insects, and the impact on the design improvements of miniature drones and for flight in low-density atmospheres such as Mars. This paper systematically reviews these unique unsteady aerodynamic characteristics of mosquito flight, responding to the potential questions from some of these discoveries as per the existing literature. This paper also reviews state-of-the-art insect-inspired robots that are close in design to mosquitoes. The findings suggest that mosquito-based small robots can be an excellent choice for flight in a low-density environment such as Mars.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 87%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 92%

Section: Kinematic Patternsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Wing Beat Frequency and Stroke Amplitudementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Lift Generation Mechanismsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Study of Mosquito Aerodynamics for Imitation as a Small Robot and Flight in a Low-Density Environment

et al. 2021

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Vortex force decomposition—forces associated with individual elements of a vorticity field

2023

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The impulse theory used to calculate the force from a vorticity distribution in two-dimensional, incompressible flow, is re-cast with the aim of approximating, to a first order, the forces generated by a specific flow feature, such as a free vortex passing by an object. To achieve this, the force acting on the body is split up into several core contributions. The first component arises from the time variation of the body’s boundary layer. The second is generated by the advection of any free vorticity located in the flowfield by the object’s boundary layer vorticity. The final force contribution is due to new vorticity being shed. To test the theory, it is applied to two multi-body flowfields consisting of a circular cylinder and a flat plate wing at incidence in close proximity. Force balance measurements and planar particle image velocimetry data are simultaneously obtained at Reynolds numbers of $$10\,000$$ 10 000 and $$20\,000$$ 20 000 . The forces acting on the cylinder are successfully recovered from the vorticity data using the derived formulation, verifying its accuracy. Subsequently, the proposed force formulation is used to create force heat maps that demonstrate how the location of a leading edge vortex affects its force contribution around a pitching NACA-0021 wing translating at a Reynolds number of $$10\, 000$$ 10 000 .

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