Aerodynamics and Wing-Wing Interaction during the Pre- Ovipository Flight of the Damselfly

摘要

Damselflies have four wings that are controlled independently during flight. The fore and hindwings typically beat out of phase, and the interactions which enhance or attenuate flight forces of the wing pairs are phase-dependent. During oviposition, however, there exists a species (Neurobasis chinensis) that flies by beating only the forewings while the hindwings are kept outstretched and stationary. Using computational fluid dynamics simulations based on high-speed photography, we examined the aerodynamics of this unique flight behavior. We hypothesized that the hindwings passively benefit from the wake of the forewings without moving. Our findings elucidate the interactions between a flapping and stationary wing and add to our understanding of insect flight, which serves as an inspiration for micro-aerial vehicle design.