Investigating Maneuverability, Stability and Control of Flapping Flight
Abstract
Due to aerodynamic instabilities, stable flapping flight requires ever-present fast corrective actions. We investigated how flies control body roll angle, which is unstable and their most sensitive degree of freedom. We glued a magnet to each fly and applied a short magnetic pulse that rolls it in mid-air. Fast video shows flies correct perturbations up to 100 degrees within 30ms by applying a stroke-amplitude asymmetry that is well described by a linear PI controller. For more aggressive perturbations, we show evidence for nonlinear and hierarchical control mechanisms. Flies respond to roll perturbations within 5ms, making this correction reflex one of the fastest in the animal kingdom.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 10, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA618202
Entities
People
- Itai Cohen
- Tsevi Beatus
Organizations
- Cornell University