Physics of Falling Paper and Insect Flight and Two Relevant Computational Methods

Falling leaves and insect flight are examples of interactions between moving boundaries and unsteady flows. These interactions enable most of the living species, including bacteria, insects, fish, and birds, to travel in fluids. In this talk, I will describe the computational tools that we use to solve these problems, including a new immersed interface method to simulate multiple (rigid or flexible) wing interactions. I will then discuss the mechanisms of force generation in flapping flight and also some strategies for efficient flight.

Jane Wang, Cornell University

Donate · Contact Us · Site Map · Join SIAM · My Account