Flow visualization of rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) in free flight

Aerodynamic characteristics of the beetle, Trypoxylus dichotomus, which has a pair of elytra (forewings) and flexible hind wings, are investigated. Visualization experiments were conducted for various flight conditions of a beetle, Trypoxylus dichotomus: free, tethered, hovering, forward and climbing flights. Leading edge, trailing edge and tip vortices on both wings were observed clearly. The leading edge vortex was stable and remained on the top surface of the elytron for a wide interval during the downstroke of free forward flight. Hence, the elytron may have a considerable role in lift force generation of the beetle. In addition, we reveal a suction phenomenon between the gaps of the hind wing and the elytron in upstroke that may improve the positive lift force on the hind wing. We also found the reverse clap-fling mechanism of the T. dichotomus beetle in hovering flight. The hind wings touch together at the beginning of the upstroke. The vortex generation, shedding and interaction give a better understanding of the detailed aerodynamic mechanism of beetle flight.

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