用实物观测、理论分析和数值模拟相结合的方法，研究极小昆虫飞行时翅膀拍动运动学、空气动力学、力能学和飞行力学。主要研究内容为：(1) 定量测量一系列极小昆虫悬停和低速飞行时的拍动运动参数，发现其新的拍动运动方式；(2) 基于N-S方程数值解及涡动力学理论、附加质量力理论等方法的分析，揭示它们是如何克服极小雷诺数下的粘性效应而产生能支持身体重量的举力的；(3）揭示它们在很大的粘性效应条件下，是如何使飞行的需用比功率不超过动物肌肉可提供的比功率限制的； (4）基于Floquet理论和“平均模型”理论，研究新拍动运动方式下飞行的动稳定性；(5) 研究新拍动运动方式下飞行的控制特性。研究结果可使人们对自然界飞行的认识更全面；可为生物学家对动物向微型化方向进化的研究提供力学依据；有助于有效地控制危害农作物的极小昆虫和更好地利用用于生物控制的极小昆虫。

The proposed project studies the flapping kinematics, aerodynamics，energetic and flight mechanics of very small insects, using an approach that combines experimental observation and measurement, theorectical analysis and numerical simulation. The following items will be investigated: (1) measure wing-flapping parameters (flapping frequency, amplitude, wing angle of attack, etc.). (2) Based on numerical solutions of Navier-Stokes equations and vorticity dynamics theory, study the new aerodynamic mechanisms. (3) study the power requirement. (4) Based on the Floquet theory and averaged-model theory, analyze the dynamic flight stability and examine how flight stability changes when the flapping motion is changed. (4) study flight control properties, including controllability and stabilization control. The results of the study will be very useful to biologists who study the comparative biology, neuro-biology, behavior, evolution of very small insects; from an applied perspective, miniature insects damage crops but are also invaluable biological control agents.