This $243,540 federal Project Grant awarded by the National Science Foundation (CFDA 47.041 - Engineering) will support research at Case Western Reserve University to establish a physics-driven understanding of odor-tracking flapping flight in insects. The objective is to characterize the unsteady aerodynamics and odorant transport during insect navigation, determine the influence of wing-induced flow on odor plume structures, and elucidate the interactions between unsteady flow and odorant transport. This research aims to advance the development of bio-inspired design principles for flying robots with enhanced aerodynamic performance and olfactory sensitivity, with potential applications in areas such as search and rescue, chemical leak monitoring, and drug trafficking detection. The award period runs from October 1, 2024 to February 28, 2026, and no sub-awards are planned under this grant.
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