Simon Walker

ORCID: 0000-0002-6997-3981
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About
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Research Areas
  • Biomimetic flight and propulsion mechanisms
  • Animal Behavior and Reproduction
  • Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
  • Aerospace and Aviation Technology
  • Fluid Dynamics and Turbulent Flows
  • Aerospace Engineering and Energy Systems
  • Cryospheric studies and observations
  • Housing, Finance, and Neoliberalism
  • Fish Ecology and Management Studies
  • Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
  • Landslides and related hazards
  • Winter Sports Injuries and Performance
  • Fluid Dynamics and Vibration Analysis
  • Fossil Insects in Amber
  • Aviation Industry Analysis and Trends
  • Advanced X-ray Imaging Techniques
  • Robotic Locomotion and Control
  • Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior
  • Transport Systems and Technology
  • Avian ecology and behavior
  • Atmospheric aerosols and clouds
  • Plant and Biological Electrophysiology Studies
  • Urban and Rural Development Challenges
  • Plant Water Relations and Carbon Dynamics
  • Geodetic Measurements and Engineering Structures

University of Leeds
2019-2024

Ministry of Transportation of Ontario
1994-2019

University of Greenwich
2003-2018

University of Oxford
2009-2018

Google (United States)
2008-2009

Walker (United States)
2008-2009

University of Essex
2008

Locust Wing Aerodynamics Insect wings function as deformable aerofoils, but the precise aerodynamic benefits of observed deformations have remained obscure. Previous models treated wing a flat plate, lacking any deformation, even though it is clear that locust can twist and rotate along its length. Young et al. (p. 1549 ) validate computational fluid dynamic model, using particle imaging velocimetry smoke visualization flow around actual locusts, use model to investigate effect measured...

10.1126/science.1175928 article EN Science 2009-09-18

Here, we present a detailed analysis of the deforming wing kinematics free-flying hoverflies ( Eristalis tenax , Linnaeus) during hovering flight. We used four high-speed digital video cameras to reconstruct motion approximately 22 points on each using photogrammetric techniques. While root-flapping is similar in both downstroke and upstroke, well modelled as simple harmonic motion, other kinematic parameters show substantial variation between upstroke. Whereas magnitude angle incidence...

10.1098/rsif.2009.0120 article EN Journal of The Royal Society Interface 2009-05-15

Dipteran flies are amongst the smallest and most agile of flying animals. Their wings driven indirectly by large power muscles, which cause cyclical deformations thorax that amplified through intricate wing hinge. Asymmetric flight manoeuvres controlled 13 pairs steering muscles acting directly on articulations. Collectively account for <3% total muscle mass, raising question how they can modulate vastly greater output during manoeuvres. Here we present results a synchrotron-based study...

10.1371/journal.pbio.1001823 article EN cc-by PLoS Biology 2014-03-25

Here, we present a suite of photogrammetric methods for reconstructing insect wing kinematics, to provide instantaneous topographic maps the surface. We filmed tethered locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) and free-flying hoverflies (Eristalis tenax) using four high-speed digital video cameras. digitized multiple natural features marked points on wings manual automated tracking. Epipolar geometry was used identify additional hoverfly outline which were anatomically indistinguishable. The cameras...

10.1098/rsif.2008.0245 article EN Journal of The Royal Society Interface 2008-08-05

Here, we present a detailed analysis of the wing kinematics and deformations desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria, Forskål) flying tethered in wind tunnel. We filmed them using four high-speed digital video cameras, used photogrammetry to reconstruct motion more than 100 identified points. Whereas hindwing motions were highly stereotyped, forewing showed considerable variation, consistent with role flight control. Both wings positively cambered on downstroke. The was through an 'umbrella...

10.1098/rsif.2008.0435 article EN Journal of The Royal Society Interface 2008-12-16

Sensing surfaces like a mosquito Although sonar or lidar are used by autonomous vehicles to detect nearby objects, these approaches incur significant equipment and signal-processing costs. Nakata et al. show that mosquitos using the flow fields caused movement of their own wings (see Perspective Young Garratt). Near surfaces, there small changes in pressure velocity can sensitive antennae. The authors translated this process into simple, low-cost approach for detecting near flying...

10.1126/science.aaz9634 article EN Science 2020-05-07

The alula is a hinged flap found at the base of wings most brachyceran Diptera. accounts for up to 10 per cent total wing area in hoverflies (Syrphidae), and its arrangement allows be swept back over thorax abdomen rest. actuated via third axillary sclerite, which component hinge that involved retraction control. sclerite has also been implicated gear change mechanism flies. This rapid switching between different modes kinematics, by imposing or removing contact with mechanical stop limiting...

10.1098/rsif.2011.0617 article EN Journal of The Royal Society Interface 2011-11-09

Abstract Visualizing fast micrometer scale internal movements of small animals is a key challenge for functional anatomy, physiology and biomechanics. We combine phase contrast tomographic microscopy (down to 3.3 μm voxel size) with retrospective, projection-based gating (in the order hundreds microseconds) improve spatiotemporal resolution by an magnitude over previous studies. demonstrate our method visualizing 20 three-dimensional snapshots through 150 Hz oscillations blowfly flight motor.

10.1038/srep08727 article EN cc-by Scientific Reports 2015-03-12

Birds are adapted to a wide range of flight conditions, from steady fixed-wing glides high angle attack manoeuvres involving unsteady separated flows. They naturally control and exploit the transitional Reynolds number regime Re≈ 10 5 that is currently interest in unmanned air vehicle technologies. This article presents reconstruction inner portion wing an eagle free flight, during rapid pitch-up manoeuvre at end shallow glide elevated perch. Photogrammetric techniques were used map...

10.1243/09544100jaero737 article EN Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part G Journal of Aerospace Engineering 2010-02-17

Abstract This paper reviews recent results on the mechanics and aerodynamics of perching in a large bird prey, Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis . Data collected using onboard high-speed video cameras are used to examine gross morphing wing planform by flight muscles, smaller-scale profile aeroelastic deflection feathers, Carruthers et al High-resolution still images reconstruct shape multi-station photogrammetry, performance measured is analysed panel code, In bringing these lines research...

10.1017/s0001924000004152 article EN The Aeronautical Journal 2010-11-01

Despite a wealth of evidence demonstrating extraordinary maximal performance, little is known about the routine flight performance insects. We present set techniques for benchmarking characteristics insects in free flight, demonstrated using model species, and comment on significance observed. Free-flying blowflies (Calliphora vicina) were filmed inside novel mirrored arena comprising large (1.6 m1.6 m) corner-cube reflector single high-speed digital video camera (250 or 500 fps). This...

10.1371/journal.pone.0007852 article EN cc-by PLoS ONE 2009-11-17

Male mosquitoes detect and localize conspecific females by their flight-tones using the Johnston's organ (JO), which detects antennal deflections under influence of local particle motion. Acoustic behaviours JO physiology have been investigated extensively within frequency domain, yet auditory sensory range behaviour males at initiation phonotactic flights are not well known. In this study, we predict a maximum spatial envelope for flying

10.1098/rsif.2022.0285 article EN cc-by Journal of The Royal Society Interface 2022-08-01

Blade element modelling provides a quick analytical method for estimating the aerodynamic forces produced during insect flight, but such models have yet to be tested rigorously using kinematic data recorded from free-flying insects. This is largely because of paucity detailed free-flight data, also limitations in existing blade mean that they cannot incorporate complex three-dimensional movements wings and body occur flight. Here, we present model with empirically fitted force coefficients...

10.1098/rsif.2021.0103 article EN cc-by Journal of The Royal Society Interface 2021-04-01

Field measurements were made of snow gliding on steep, smooth rock slabs. Supporting dala included snowpack properties, interface temperatures, air temperatures and precipitation. In this paper, the temporal spatial dependence is discussed from two seasons measurements. The results showed that basic characteristics repeated year to at site. relationship snow-gliding constitutive relations applications briefly discussed.

10.3189/1994aog19-1-97-103 article EN Annals of Glaciology 1994-01-01

*† ‡ § In this paper we present video evidence of unsteady maneuvers in which leading edge feather deflections occur on the wings an Eagle free flight. High-speed is used to analyze use these feathers greater detail during landing sequences. The results suggest that are being as a means stabilize wing maneuvers. A novel method measuring profiles bird flight outlined.

10.2514/6.2007-43 article EN 45th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit 2007-01-08

In 1878, Scientific American published Muybridge's famous photographic time series of horses in trot and gallop, providing insights into the biomechanics animal motion too fast to be resolved by human eye [1 Muybridge, E. 1878. American, 39: 241 [Google Scholar]]. A few decades later, Lucien Bull presented even faster image sequences insect flight [2 Bull, L. 1928. La Cinématographie Paris: A. Colin.. Ever since, detection, measurement, acquisition schemes have been a pillar research fields...

10.1080/08940886.2013.771064 article EN Synchrotron Radiation News 2013-03-01

Adverse weather conditions create an environment in which it is difficult for drivers to navigate safely. Reducing weather-related collisions a target road safety professionals British Columbia (BC), Canada. This study reports the benefits of installing information systems (RWISs) coupled with variable message signs (VMSs) on provincial rural highways BC. The RWIS/VMS system comprises and sensors, as well two VMSs. sensors collect data pavement surfaces conditions. Information adverse...

10.1177/0361198119840335 article EN Transportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board 2019-04-01
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