bird flight mechanics Flashcards
(20 cards)
why is flight considered costly but efficient
high energy demand but low cost of transport per distance
what are three types of aerial movement
parachuting, gliding, powered flight
what is wing loading
body mass divided by wing area
what does a high aspect ratio indicate
long, narrow wings - good for gliding
what is the power speed curve for flight
u shaped high at low and high speeds, lowest at medium speeds
what forces must be balanced in flight
lift vs. weight and thrust vs. drag
how is lift produced
bernouilli’s principle and newtons third law
what does “Relative airflow” mean
air movement over the wing generated by the bird’s motionh
at is profile power
power needed to overcome wing drag
what is induced power
power to generate lift
is parasite power
power to overcome body drage
what is Vmp
speed of minimum power
what is Vmr
speed of maximum range
what determines glide angle
lift to drag ratio (not body mass)
what is the function of alula
prevents stalling at low speeds
what units measure mechanical power
Watts = Newtons x m/s
what species is known for high flight efficiency
sooty shearwater (long distance migrant)h
at limits flight in large birds
muscle power and takeoff speed
how is mechanical output measured in birds
strain gauges on wings
what is a benefit of thin, long wings
reduce drag and increase lift
