spacer gif spacer gif spacer gif spacer gif spacer gif
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


spacer gif
     Home     Help     Feedback     Subscriptions     Archive     Search     Table of Contents    

This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by ALDRIDGE, H. D. J. N.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow Articles by ALDRIDGE, H. D. J. N.
Journal of Experimental Biology 157,183-204 (1991)
Published by Company of Biologists 1991

Vertical Flight in the Greater Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus Ferrumequinum

H. D. J. N. ALDRIDGE 1

1 Department of Zoology, University of Bristol, Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 1UG; Agricultural and Food Research Council, Wiltshire Court, Farnsby Street, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 5ET, UK

The kinematics, aerodynamics and energetics of vertical flight in Rhinolophus ferrumequinum (Schreber) are described. During the downstroke the resultant force generated by the wings tends to accelerate the animal upwards and forwards. Towards the end of the downstroke the wings generate negative thrust and, consequently, the animal accelerates backwards. When, during the upstroke, thewings are accelerated backwards (the ‘flick’) a significant thrust is generated. Total specific mechanical power is approximately 11.92 W kg-1, of which 84% is required during the downstroke.

Key words: bat, vertical flight, kinematics, aerodynamics, energetics, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum

Accepted on December 4, 1990






© The Company of Biologists Ltd 1991