ORBi: Gardiner James D - A potential role for bat tail membranes in flight control

Reference : A potential role for bat tail membranes in flight control


	Document type :	Scientific journals : Article
	Discipline(s) :	Engineering, computing & technology : Aerospace & aeronautics engineering Life sciences : Zoology
	To cite this reference:	http://hdl.handle.net/2268/86991

Title :	A potential role for bat tail membranes in flight control
Language :	English
Author, co-author :	Gardiner, James D [University of Manchester > School of Life Sciences > > >]
	Dimitriadis, Grigorios [Université de Liège - ULg > Département d'aérospatiale et mécanique > Interactions Fluide-Structure - Aérodynamique expérimentale >]
	Codd, Jonathan R [University of Manchester > School of Life Sciences > > >]
	Nudds, Robert L [University of Manchester > School of Life Sciences > > >]
Publication date :	30-Mar-2011
Journal title :	PLoS ONE
Publisher :	Public Library of Science
Volume :	6
Issue/season :	3
Pages :	e18214
Peer reviewed :	Yes (verified by ORBi)
Audience :	International
e-ISSN :	1932-6203
City :	San Franscisco
Country :	CA
Keywords :	[en] Aerodynamics ; Bat ; Flight ; Locomotion ; Long-eared bat ; Plecotus auritus ; Wing ; Wind Tunnel
Abstract :	[en] Wind tunnel tests conducted on a model based on the long-eared bat Plecotus auritus, indicated that the position of the tail membrane (uropatagium) can significantly influence flight control. Adjusting tail position by increasing the angle of the legs relative to the body, has a two-fold effect; increasing leg-induced wing camber (i.e. locally increased camber and angle of attack of the inner wing surface) and increasing the angle of attack of the tail membrane. We also used our model to examine the effects of flying with and without a tail membrane. For the bat model with a tail membrane increasing leg angle increased the lift, drag and nose-down pitching moment produced. However, removing the tail membrane significantly reduced the change in pitching moment with increasing leg angle, but it had a much smaller effect on the level of lift and drag produced. The tail membrane, therefore, is potentially important for controlling the level of pitching moment produced by bats and an aid to flight control, specifically improving agility and manoeuvrability. Although the tail of bats is different from that of birds, in that it is only divided from the wings by the legs, it nonetheless, may, in addition to its prey capturing function, fulfil a similar role in aiding flight control.
Target :	Researchers ; Professionals
Permalink :	http://hdl.handle.net/2268/86991
DOI :	10.1371/journal.pone.0018214
Other URL :	http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0018214

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