Passive aeroelastic deflection of avian primary feathers
Brett Klaassen van Oorschot, Richard Choroszucha, Bret W. Tobalske
Abstract
). These results demonstrate that feather flexibility may provide passive roll stability and delay stall by twisting to reduce local α at the feather tip. Our findings are the first to measure forces due to feather deflection under aerodynamic loading and can inform future models of avian flight as well as biomimetic morphing-wing technology.
Topics & Concepts
FeatherWingAirfoilDeflection (physics)Structural engineeringAerodynamicsFlexural rigidityStiffnessAeroelasticityFlight featherAerodynamic forceAngle of attackMechanicsPhysicsEngineeringBiologyClassical mechanicsEcologyMoultingLarvaBiomimetic flight and propulsion mechanismsPhysiological and biochemical adaptationsAnimal Behavior and Reproduction