Insects go with flow A mathematical model of induced flow and cooling during flight


SOCIETY FOR INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
2021 VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING (VAM)
January 3 – Febuary 28, 2021

Meeting Abstract


P40-4  Sat Jan 2  Insects go with flow: A mathematical model of induced flow and cooling during flight Meja, B*; Notar, JC; Johnsen, S; Duke University; Duke University; Duke University shylet_meja@yahoo.com

The flapping of insect wings allow them to hover and maneuver in their environments. These flapping movements create a strong induced flow of air over their bodies, which is a critical aspect of their ability to fly and it also plays a critical role in thermoregulation. Thermoregulation is crucial for insects’ ability to fly because their flight muscles require certain temperatures in order to maintain sufficient power in flight. The study of induced flow has advanced our overall understanding of the aerodynamics of insects but one cannot say the same about thermoregulation. To study how induced flows affect thermoregulation in flight, we created a mathematical model of a generic hovering insect, using simple shapes such as a sphere or cylinder to see how induced flow affects cooling across a range of parameters, including wingbeat frequency and body angle relative to its wings. We then related these parameters to the natural body and flight characteristics of bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) and honey bees (Apis mellifera). We studied which parameters were most relevant for the bee’s thermoregulation. Results will be discussed.

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