10,738 research outputs found

    A linear systems analysis of the yaw dynamics of a dynamically scaled insect model

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    Recent studies suggest that fruit flies use subtle changes to their wing motion to actively generate forces during aerial maneuvers. In addition, it has been estimated that the passive rotational damping caused by the flapping wings of an insect is around two orders of magnitude greater than that for the body alone. At present, however, the relationships between the active regulation of wing kinematics, passive damping produced by the flapping wings and the overall trajectory of the animal are still poorly understood. In this study, we use a dynamically scaled robotic model equipped with a torque feedback mechanism to study the dynamics of yaw turns in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Four plausible mechanisms for the active generation of yaw torque are examined. The mechanisms deform the wing kinematics of hovering in order to introduce asymmetry that results in the active production of yaw torque by the flapping wings. The results demonstrate that the stroke-averaged yaw torque is well approximated by a model that is linear with respect to both the yaw velocity and the magnitude of the kinematic deformations. Dynamic measurements, in which the yaw torque produced by the flapping wings was used in real-time to determine the rotation of the robot, suggest that a first-order linear model with stroke-average coefficients accurately captures the yaw dynamics of the system. Finally, an analysis of the stroke-average dynamics suggests that both damping and inertia will be important factors during rapid body saccades of a fruit fly

    Homage to Audubon: The Illustrated Bird Book 1300-1860

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    Audubon's "Birds of America" has a very special significance for the University of Michigan Library. In 1839, it was the first book purchased for the collection and cost $970, quite an act of faith for a new university which had yet to hold its first class or erect its first building! Today, millions of volumes later, "Birds of America" remains the single most valuable printed book in the University Library's collection. With "Homage to Audubon," Special Collections highlights this text as well as other notable bird books acquired by the Library in the ensuing years.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/120253/1/homage_to_audubon_93.pd

    Computer program to assess impact of fatigue and fracture criteria on weight and cost of transport aircraft

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    A preliminary design analysis tool for rapidly performing trade-off studies involving fatigue, fracture, static strength, weight, and cost is presented. Analysis subprograms were developed for fatigue life, crack growth life, and residual strength; and linked to a structural synthesis module which in turn was integrated into a computer program. The part definition module of a cost and weight analysis program was expanded to be compatible with the upgraded structural synthesis capability. The resultant vehicle design and evaluation program is named VDEP-2. It is an accurate and useful tool for estimating purposes at the preliminary design stage of airframe development. A sample case along with an explanation of program applications and input preparation is presented
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