Details of Insect Wing Design and Deformation Enhance Aerodynamic Function and Flight Efficiency

Abstract

Locust Wing Aerodynamics Insect wings function as deformable aerofoils, but the precise aerodynamic benefits of the observed deformations have remained obscure. Previous models have treated the wing as a flat plate, lacking any deformation, even though it is clear that the locust wing can twist and rotate along its length. Young et al. (p. 1549 ) validate a computational fluid dynamic model, using particle imaging velocimetry and smoke visualization of the flow around actual locusts, and use the model to investigate the effect of measured changes in wing shape during a stroke cycle. The complexity of insect wing venation directly affects the aerodynamics of flight via the intermediary of wing deformation.