Abstract— Evolutionary Algorithms are often used as an optimization tool. We use this ability here to help explore, analyse and, on this basis, propose a controller for a complex robotics system: a flapping wings aircraft. A multi-objective optimization is performed to find the best parameters of sinusoidal wings kinematics. The obtained results are not the end of the process, but rather the be...

The tephritid fly Zonosemata vittigera (Coquillett) has a leg-like pattern on its wings and a wing-waving display that together mimic the agonistic territorial displays of jumping spiders (Salticidae). Zonosemata flies initiate this display when stalked by jumping spiders, causing the spiders to display back and retreat. Wing transplant experiments showed that both the wing pattern and wing-wav...

Theoretical analyses are presented for the stability of symmetric and asymmetric vortex pairs over slender conical wings and bodies under small perturbations in an inviscid incompressible flow at high angles of attack and sideslip. The three-dimensional problem of a pair of vortices over slender conical wings and bodies is reduced to a problem in two dimensions by using the conical flow assumpt...

The agility and manoeuvrability of a flying animal and the inertial power required to flap the wings are related to the moment of inertia of the wings. The moments of inertia of the wings of 29 bird species and three bat species were determined using wing strip analysis. We also measured wing length, wing span, wing area, wing mass and body mass. A strong correlation (r2=0.997) was found betwee...

The development of flapping-wing micro air vehicles (MAVs) demands a systematic exploration of the available design space to identify ways in which the unsteady mechanisms governing flapping-wing flight can best be utilized for producing optimal thrust or maneuverability. Mimicking the wing kinematics of biological flight requires examining the potential effects of wing morphology on flight per...

Although there is mounting evidence that passive mechanical dynamics of insect wings play an integral role in insect flight, our understanding of the structural details underlying insect wing flexibility remains incomplete. Here, we use comparative morphological and mechanical techniques to illuminate the function and diversity of two mechanisms within Odonata wings presumed to affect dynamic w...

WINGS for Kids is a nonprofit organization based in Charleston, South Carolina, that aims to supply the social and emotional learning (SEL) component into existing programs for school-aged children and thereby assist them to recognize and manage emotions, care about others, make good decisions, behave ethically and responsibly, build satisfying relationships, and avoid negative behaviors. The a...