Shield and spoilers decrease lift in water: mayfly

Body of Ecdyonurus (mayfly) larvae decreases lift in flowing water by having a lowered head shield position and using its lower leg segments (femora) as spoilers.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Manage structural forces >
	Turbulence

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Improving aerodynamics of land vehicles and efficiency of underwater vehicles.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Not only does flow separate above a flattened animal, but it is also much more complex than was first thought. Flow separation reduces lift, but at a cost of increased drag which, however, is a price that may well be worth paying to stay attached. For the heptageniid larvae, certain features of its body design may in fact lead to negative lift in flowing water. This is accomplished by lowering its head shield and by using its femora as spoilers (Weissenberger et at. 1991) (Fig. 5.3)." (Giller and Malmqvist 1998:112)

About the inspiring organism

Ephemeroptera
Ephemeroptera

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Improving aerodynamics of land vehicles and efficiency of underwater vehicles.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Transportation

References

Giller, P. S.; Malmqvist, B. 1998. The Biology of Streams and Rivers. Oxford University Press, USA.

Shield and spoilers decrease lift in water: mayfly

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