Phantom Crane Flies and bioinspired robots gliding without a single wing beat
Victor
Ortega Jimenez, Professor
Integrative Biology
Applications for Spring 2025 are closed for this project.
Phantom crane flies (Bittacomorpha clavipes) are one of the most mysterious fliers in the insect world because it has been suggested that they are able to use their legs and body to generate aerodynamic forces and still keep a tight aerial control. Our research can be applied to micro aerial vehicles that can switch to appendices and wing flapping depending on favorable wind conditions.
Role: Film insects, make physical modes, make gliders and robotic versions, biomechanical analysis, and write report.
Qualifications: Engineering, or physics, or biology fundamentals
Day-to-day supervisor for this project: Victor M. Ortega Jimenez, Staff Researcher
Hours: 6-8 hrs
Biological & Health Sciences