Aerodynamic Interaction of Migratory Birds in Gliding Flight

(1) Background: Many studies suggest that migratory bird groups fly in a V-formation to improve their aerodynamic efficiency, the goal being reduce energy expenditure longer distances. To further validate this hypothesis, we numerically simulated interaction of two gliding birds and evaluated forces as function spacing. (2) Methods: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was used model flow pattern around wake Canada geese flying at an altitude 1000 m speed 13.9 m/s. (3) Results: The post-processing 3D results revealed complex structure composed contra-rotating vortices developing wing tip. (4) Conclusions: In plane perpendicular main direction, showed bird’s could be broken down into distinct zones: downwash zone upwash zone, latter by formation expenditure. our study suggested optimal wingtip spacing -26cm maximize lift/drag ratio characterizes efficiency.