The flight performance of birds has stimulated the analysis of flapping flight and its technical implementation for generations. Over 100 years ago, Otto Lilienthal started the first systematic investigations of the profile geometry of birds. To this date the extraordinary flight performance of the flapping flight is still not yet fully understood because the complex and dynamic adaptation of the contour and section shape of the wing during a flapping period. Within this research project, unobtrusive measurement techniques are developed to collect maneuvering motion of flapping flight under realistic flight conditions. For the successful identification of image information, digitally interpretable, artificial patterns are needed on the measuring object which are usually sprayed on or projected. In the course of the project the following techniques are implemented:
  • Add-on and adaptation of the digital evaluation methods
  • Enhancement of the contour identification for complex wing geometries
  • Development of a method for the identification by means of naturally available texture
  • Enhancement of well-known methods for the evaluation of large deformations
  • High-Speed Deformation Measurements
The area of focus of this research project involves the following questions: „How do the airfoil geometry and the movement pattern of free flying birds change and what consequences emerge on aerodynamic properties of the wings?“
Furthermore: „Is it possible to determine the profile geometry with a sufficient accuracy and spatial resolution to use the results for additional aerodynamic and fluid mechanic analysis?“
 
Person in charge: M.Sc. M. Heinold