Collaborative Research: Integrating Biological and Engineering Approaches to Reveal the Principles of Flight Control in Hummingbirds

本研究的目的是研究蜂鸟飞行的动力学和控制。采用两种不同大小的蜂鸟和两种昆虫（飞蛾和黄蜂），采用动物实验、数学建模、理论分析和工程实验相结合的方法进行研究。本工作的目的是通过一系列有针对性的实验，为动物飞行机动性、稳定性和控制提供一般理论。这项研究将直接促进新的、改进的飞行力学模型的发展，并将大大提高我们对动物运动的主要形式之一的理解。最终，这一科学基础不仅将推动动物飞行理论的发展，还将为具有优越稳定性和机动性的仿生工程系统提供设计指导。拟议的研究将通过生物学和工程学的跨学科研究，加强研究和教育的基础设施。研究成果将广泛传播到生物、物理和工程研究界。在这项工作中发展的理论可以潜在地转化为其他形式的运动。高性能扑翼微型飞行器的进展可以用于民用和国防应用，例如在倒塌的建筑物中进行搜索和救援，或者在拥挤的机场进行室内监视。在以往成功的宣传活动（包括各种电视、电影、广播、网络和报纸报道）的基础上，pi将继续积极开展宣传活动，目标是吸引普通公众、大学预科学生、K-12学生参与科学研究，并通过各种公共活动和事件产生科学兴奋和意识。摘要

The objective of this research is to investigate the dynamics and control of hummingbird flight. Two species of hummingbirds of different sizes and two species of insect (hawkmoth and wasps) will be used, and an integrative approach based on animal experiments, mathematical modeling, theoretical analysis, and engineering experiments will be performed. The goal of this work is to provide a general theory for animal flight maneuverability, stability and control through a series of targeted experiments. This research will directly contribute to the development of new, improved models of flight mechanics, and it will substantially advance our understanding of one of the major forms of animal locomotion. Ultimately this scientific basis will not only advance the theory of animal flight but also provide design guidelines for bio-inspired engineering systems with superior stability and maneuverability. The proposed research will enhance the infrastructure for research and education through interdisciplinary research in biology and engineering. The research results will be disseminated broadly to the biology, physics, and engineering research communities. The theories developed in this work can potentially be translated into other forms of locomotion. Advances in high performance flapping wing micro aerial vehicles can be used in civilian and defense applications such as search and rescue in collapsed buildings, or indoor surveillance such as in crowded airports. Building upon their historically-successful outreach activities including various television, film, radio, web-based and newspaper reports, the PIs will continue on their active outreach effort with the goal of engaging general public, pre-college students, K-12 students in scientific research and generating scientific excitement and awareness through various public activities and events.Abstract