Albatrosses and pelicans are thought to fly near water surfaces in order to take advantage of the so-called «ground effect» and, thus, fly more efficiently. Traditional understanding of the «ground-effect» phenomenon is based on two principles:
Pelicans and albatrosses, though, fly quite high above the water surface for any ram effect to occur. In addition, instead of keeping their wings fully extended in order to maximize the interaction between the lower wing and the water surface, they strongly arch their wings so the wing tips invariably point toward the surface.
The overall objective is to demonstrate that water-surface gliding pelicans and albatrosses intentionally arch their wings and point their tips toward the surface in order to optimize aerodynamic efficiency. The specific project goal is to elucidate the physics associated with this arched wing morphology.
Flyers that can travel more efficiently near a water surface will enable a new generation of autonomous airborne delivery technologies, taking advantage of rivers as blue highways, with little or no danger for the population. These autonomous delivery drones will be, in particular, relevant for continents with dense river networks, such as Africa and South America.
Project partner(s)
Project leader - team
Flavio Noca
(HEPIA)