Neuromuscular Control and Biomechanics of Avian Flight

在四足类脊椎动物中，存在着许多不同形式的运动方式。鸟翼的设计体现了选择性压力和保持飞行机动性之间的平衡，选择性压力驱动着这个快速摆动的前肢的能量效率。这种高度复杂的结构在空中运动过程中提供气动升力、推进力和一定程度的方向控制。在这一奖项中，Kenneth Dial博士将通过确定可机动自由飞行和长时间稳定(风洞)飞行中选定的飞行肌肉的活动模式来研究神经肌肉协调。此外，还将记录在稳态和机动飞行过程中主要飞行肌肉产生的力的大小和时间过程。通过这些测量，可以确定主要飞行肌肉产生的力的两侧对称性，并可以计算出各种运动模式下的机械功率输出。这些研究将有助于了解运动控制的基础知识。

Many divergent forms of locomotor styles exist among the tetrapod (four-footed) groups of vertebrates. The design of an avian wing represents a balance between selective pressures driving the energetic efficiency of this rapidly oscillating forelimb and those retaining maneuverability for flight. This highly sophisticated structure provides aerodynamic lift, propulsion, and some degree of directional control during aerial locomotion. In this award, Dr. Kenneth Dial will study neuromuscular coordination by determining the activity patterns of selected avain flight muscles during maneuverable free-flight and during prolonged steady-state (wind tunnel) flight. In addition, recordings will be made of the magnitude and time course of forces generated by the primary flight muscles during steady-state and maneuverable flight. From these measurements, the bilateral symmetry of forces developed by the primary flight muscles can be determined, and the mechanical power output during various modes of locomotion can be calculated. These studies will contribute basic knowledge to understanding the control of movement.