The variation in chord depth along a fully extended wing was studied in 14 bird species. A model of chord depth distribution was derived. The functional and aerodynamic aspects of pinion structure were discussed. Neither the aspect ratio of the wing nor the mode of flight of the bird was clearly related to the form of the chord depth distribution. Results show that separated primaries may improve the aerodynamic properties of the wing by reducing induced drag. This applies only to large birds however results also show that a slit wing aids in generating lift. Despite external similarities in feather position, the mechanism of superated primaries in special forms of powered flight, such as hovering, is quite different, because unsteady processes dominate flow around the wing. Diagrams of the various bird wing configurations are shown. (Author)
On the Geometry of the Avian Wing (Studies on the Biophysics and Physiology of Avian Flight 2)
1976
7 pages
Report
No indication
English
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