Two Dimensional Flight Trajectory Tracking and Analysis of Pterygota

Abstract

Insects display excellent flying skills and have been the source of inspiration for technology protagonists. Vast literature has evolved around the insects flying abilities addressing issues like aerodynamics, wing-kinematics, flight performance (hovering, maneuverability, abrupt acceleration, rapid turn) and navigational cues. However, the realization of the insect-inspired flight mechanics to engineering designs is limited and of pre-mature nature. Recently, some efforts have been directed at the realization of Micromechanical Flying Insect (MFI). This project is aimed at investigating the underlying science of typical insect-inspired flight with the objective of using the knowledge for improving the versatility of bio-inspired Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs). In this research, various trajectories of flying insects (honey bee and butterfly) are tracked in a controlled environment. Insects of different wingspans are framed in a container such that their two dimensional flight trajectories are captured. Aerodynamic evaluation of these insects is carried out for climb, descent, vertical climb as well as forward flight. The resultant dynamic and kinematic variables are compared during these phases of flight for both (butterfly and honeybee) insects. The controlled environment for insects includes a glass container (with white background), a camera for recording the videos and a computer system. The apparatus for experiments includes glass jars (for keeping insects), net (for capturing insects), Vernier callipers, a dissection box and gloves (used during handling of insects). An algorithm was developed for post processing of the data values obtained from the tracked videos. Finally, the results obtained through experimentation are analyzed to draw conclusions about velocity, acceleration and resultant forces.