V Formation Flying of Birds is Explained by a Minimal Wake–Vortex Model

Per Hackaday, Brown University researchers have developed a computational model that explains how birds flying in V-formation save energy. The study modeled northern bald ibises with real-world bird measurements, revealing the aerodynamics at play: birds in a leader's wake reduce their wing-flapping amplitude as they ride the downdraft, cutting their energy use by roughly eleven percent. The researchers accounted for the complex patterns of wake vortices created by each bird's wings ahead of them. The findings could eventually help predict the efficiency of aerial formations and improve drone swarm coordination.

Listen to this story

Hear this and more stories in a personalized audio briefing.

Open The Chonkerton