Leading edge vortex
- A novel cylindrical overlap-and-fling mechanism used by sea butterflies
Editor's choice: Enabled by its highly flexible wings, the swimming pteropod Cuvierina atlantica generates thrust by using a novel cylindrical ‘overlap-and-fling’ maneuver twice during each wingstroke.
- Hawkmoth flight in the unsteady wakes of flowers
Highlighted Article: Moths maneuvering in the wake of flowers display simplified flower tracking dynamics. In the flower wake, the leading edge vortex does not burst and extends continuously across the wings and thorax.
- Aerodynamic characteristics along the wing span of a dragonfly Pantala flavescens
Summary: Interwing aerodynamic interactions vary across the span of the high aspect ratio wings of dragonflies. This spanwise variation in aerodynamics could be exploited in the design of micro-air vehicles.