Qualitative Visual Comparison of Three Simulations of Fluid Flow around a Flying Bat

We present a case study in using scientific visualization techniques to qualitatively explore predicted flow fields generated by bats in flight, which resulted in a better insight into methods for studying aerodynamic behavior of bats. Our study involved a qualitative comparison of flow features derived from both Navier-Stokes computations and potential flow computational aerodynamics models. As a result of using visual representations of simulated flow structures for various tasks, we characterized the effect of surface model approximation order on vortex formation in the wake model, compared the complexity of the resulting structures, and compiled a set of wake characteristics. By establishing a visual connection between bat wing kinematics and dominant flow structures, we provided a way to explore and discover correlations between wing motion and flow behavior. Advantages and drawbacks of visualization methods and flowmodeling factors are also discussed in the context of a higher-fidelity Navier-Stokes simulation model, a lower-fidelity potential flow computational aerodynamics model, and experimental settings.