Geese achieve stationary takeoff via synergistic wing kinematics and enhanced aerodynamics

TL;DR

This study uncovers how geese use synergistic wing kinematics and aerodynamics to achieve stationary takeoff, revealing a low-dimensional control strategy that enhances lift and thrust through wing motion and wake interactions.

Contribution

It identifies a modular wing control strategy with two main synergies and demonstrates how these kinematics generate positive lift and thrust during stationary takeoff.

Findings

Wing kinematics collapse onto two main synergies: stroke and morphing.

Positive lift and thrust are generated throughout the wing cycle.

Wake capture and rapid wing pitching enhance aerodynamic forces.

Abstract

Stationary take-off, without a running start or elevated descent, requires substantial aerodynamic forces to overcome weight, particularly for large birds such as geese exceeding 2 kg. However, the complex wing motion and high-Reynolds-number (Re $\approx$$10^5$) flow dynamics challenge conventional expectations of avian flight aerodynamics, rendering this mechanism elusive. Analyzing 578 stationary take-offs from seven geese (\textit{Anser cygnoides}) and applying Principal Component Analysis (PCA), we reveal that the complex wing kinematics collapse onto a low-dimensional manifold dominated by two synergies: a Stroke Synergy responsible for fundamental rhythmic stroke, and a Morphing Synergy governing spanwise geometry. This modular control strategy orchestrates a stereotyped wing kinematics featuring an accelerated translational downstroke and a rapid tip-reversal upstroke. By integrating wing kinematic analysis with the mass distribution of the geese, we quantified the aerodynamic forces and found that entirely positive lift and thrust are generated throughout the motion cycle. The enhanced aerodynamic performance of geese takeoff results from three principal mechanisms. During the downstroke, significant lift generated from wing acceleration is predicted by the quasi-steady framework. Flow visualization reveals that wake capture further enhances the lift generation in downstroke by orienting the position of wake vortices. During the upstroke, the distal wing performs a rapid pitching motion and generates a substantial thrust, the vertical component of which contributes significantly to weight support.