Unraveling the vertical motion of Dipterocarpus alatus seed using Tracker

Abstract

We perform analytical and experimental investigation of the vertical motion of Dipterocarpus alatus seed, locally called Yang-na in Thailand. In this work, we assume the drag forces exerting on the Yang-na seeds depend only on the velocity. We derive equations of motion (EoMs) to physically parametrize the vertical motion of the seed and analytically solve to obtain the exact solutions. Interestingly, we observe that our predicted solutions are in agreement with the experimental data. More precisely, the entire trajectory of the falling seed of Yang-na can be described by our predicted solutions. We also determine terminal velocity of the seeds. Remarkably, this work reasonably proves that seed dispersal characteristics of Yang-na is inherently straight downward. Finally, we believe that our achievement will be valuable to the large community of STEM/STEAM education to promote an understanding in the topic integrating mathematics, physics, biology, art and technology.Our framework constitutes learning model to improve the ability of creative thinking, analytical thinking and problem solving skills on the concept of forces and motion applicable from high school to college levels.

Video analysis of one-dimensional motion and collision for distance learning laboratory

“…Interestingly, the program has also effectively analysed complex motions in real-world cases. The analysis of boomerang motion, the fallings of Dipterocarpus alatus seed, and chimney stacks can be cited as recent examples [11][12][13].…”

Morphological diversity of winged diaspores of woody angiosperms in South India and their significance in dispersal

“…Because of these distinct aerodynamic behaviours, winged diaspores have attracted much interest among scientists over past decades. Studies have been conducted by various investigators (Norberg, 1973;Azuma & Yasuda, 1989;Green & Johnson, 1990;Rosen & Seter, 1991;Yasuda & Azuma, 1997;Varshney et al, 2011;Eadkong et al, 2020) in attempts to understand the reasons behind these aerodynamic behaviours because these natural phenomena inspire new ideas and creative thoughts. Such investigations are quite rare in South India.…”