Monthly Archives: November 2011

Variable-Geometry Wings

If you have ever sat in a window seat on a plane, you might have noticed the flaps, spoilers, aileron, and slats (as seen here: Plane Parts) moving throughout the flight, during takeoff, and especially landing. These features are the results of engineers attempting to mimic the wings of birds, like the wings of the […]

Da Vinci’s Flying Machines

Leonardo da Vinci was a great artist who lived during the Italian Renaissance. Today he is remembered mainly for his artistic contributions, such as the Mona Lisa. Da Vinci however, was much more than just an artist, he was also an incredible inventor and engineer. He had written up designs for everything from bridges, to […]

Flight Dynamics of Dragonflies

The dragonfly is one of natures most impressive flyers. Some can fly at speeds up to 35 mph, can decelerate from 35-0 mph in less than a second, and fly backwards. They are extremely agile and can make dramatic lateral movements in the blink of an eye. These amazing abilities come from dragonflies unique flying […]

Triassic Delta Wing Gliders

Delta-winged aircraft have been around for several decades, and their use has revolutionized the aerospace industry. Yet apparently nature had already designed a delta-winged glider long before humans had lifted themselves off of the ground. Delta wing designs are named for their triangular shape, and roughly 225 million years ago nature had produced a small, bipedal, lizard-like glider with a similarly triangular shape.

Pros and Cons of the Avian Skeletal System

Over the course of millions of years, birds have evolved a particularly unique skeletal system among the animal world.   Naturally, much of the difference between mammalian and avian skeletal systems arises due to most birds’ capability of flight.  Granted, flight is a highly advanced evolutionary adaptation; however, birds sacrifice a good deal to achieve it.  […]