Aeromechanics of Highly Maneuverable Bats

Abstract : Bats fly with astounding agility, maneuverability and efficiency. Their flight mechanics are completely different from those of insects and birds and characterized by several unique aeromechanical features including: (1) complex three-dimensional articulated wing structures, (2) flexible wing skeletons, (3) anisotropic, highly elastic wing membrane skins and (4) a network of shear stress sensors distributed over the wing surface. Over the three years of this project we have developed new tools and experimental systems for the study of bat flight. We have documented and quantified key aspects of bat flight behavior and of the mechanical properties of bat wing materials, and investigated key aspects of how the construction of the bat wing enables superior flight performance. Key findings include quantification of the complex but highly intercorrelated motions of the many joints of the bat wing, and delineation of possible wing joint motion combinations that can reproduce full 3D complexity with a simplified control scheme, and description of the complex wakes formed by bats during flight.