Implications of wing pitching and wing shape on the aerodynamics of a dragonfly

The forewing and the hindwing of a dragonfly have different geometry that could be an evolutionary specialization for better aerodynamic performance via sophisticated wing pitch control. Under extent pitching by root musculature, fore- hindwings exhibit shape deformation characteristics as result passive deformation. We measured flow around flapping wings using time-resolved particle image velocimetry (TR-PIV) to investigate consequences mechanisms on aerodynamics dragonflies. fields angle variations naturally actuated were compared with same artificially only motion. found trailing edge vortex dynamics wake affected in-vivo experiment muscle induced pitching. pitching, took more part in generating horizontal momentum larger magnitude, due chord length forewing. Meanwhile, when there was membrane flapping, slight difference surrounding structures between forewing, net one period reduced nearly zero. These results provided quantified evidence importance motion flight. this work can useful design wings, their actuation mechanism, in-flight kinematics control micro air vehicles (MAVs).