Birds Flying in 'V' Formation Save Energy with Flatter Flaps

Topic: Biology

Scientists from Brown University studied how birds flying in a V formation save energy. They found that trailing birds experience an 11% reduction in mechanical power needed for flight, mainly due to reduced vertical wing flapping.

Scientists have known for years that birds like geese and ibises gain an aerodynamic advantage from flying in a 'V' formation.

Researchers Olivia Pomerenk and Kenny Breuer from Brown University developed an aerodynamic model to simulate the forces at play when one bird follows another behind and off to the side, the classic V-formation sweet spot. Their model showed that birds in this position experience an 11% reduction in mechanical power needed for flight.

This advantage is mainly due to a reduction in the vertical distance of their wing flaps. 'The big change we see in this position is in the amplitude of flapping,' said Pomerenk, a postdoctoral researcher in Brown's School of Engineering. 'At least for this specific bird species, we're looking at an amplitude that is something like 70% of what it would be if the bird were flying alone.'

Breuer and his lab have made numerous discoveries about the flight dynamics of both bats and birds. They used a custom-made wind tunnel to study how starlings save energy by flying in a V formation, reducing their energetic cost of flight by 25%.

Why It Matters

This research can help us understand how animals adapt to their environment and optimize their movements for efficiency. It also has implications for human technology, such as designing more efficient aircraft or wind turbines.

Key Facts

• Scientists from Brown University studied the aerodynamic advantage of birds flying in a V formation.
• Trailing birds experience an 11% reduction in mechanical power needed for flight due to reduced vertical wing flapping.
• The researchers used an aerodynamic model to simulate the forces at play when one bird follows another behind and off to the side.
• Breuer's lab has made numerous discoveries about the flight dynamics of both bats and birds using a custom-made wind tunnel.
• Starlings save energy by flying in a V formation, reducing their energetic cost of flight by 25%.

Key Terms

Aerodynamic

Relating to the study of how air moves around objects

Mechanical power

The energy required for an object or animal to move

Implications

This research can help us understand how animals adapt to their environment and optimize their movements for efficiency. It also has implications for human technology, such as designing more efficient aircraft or wind turbines.