Wing Kinematics Measurement and Aerodynamic Force and Moments Computation of Hovering Hoverfly

Recently, much progress has been made in revealing aerodynamic force mechanisms and predicting power requirements in insect flight. In this study we have experimentally measured the wing kinematics of a hovering hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus) and numerically analyzed the flapping mechanism of it. Using multi-digital high speed cameras, we photographed the continuous images of flapping wings and body from different viewpoints, and then we captured kinematics data and modeled the flight motion of the hovering hoverfly. Three-dimensional unsteady computations of the flow past the hoverfly under hovering flight conditions prescribed from above experimental observations were computed. The computed time average force and moment coefficients were validated with expected equilibrium values and were in well agreement. The computational result shows that the major part of the mean lift comes from the mid-portions of the down- and upstrokes.