MIT Libraries logoDSpace@MIT

MIT
View Item 
  • DSpace@MIT Home
  • MIT Libraries
  • MIT Theses
  • Doctoral Theses
  • View Item
  • DSpace@MIT Home
  • MIT Libraries
  • MIT Theses
  • Doctoral Theses
  • View Item
JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

The hydrodynamics of water-walking insects and spiders

Author(s)
Hu, David L., 1979-
Thumbnail
DownloadFull printable version (72.04Mb)
Other Contributors
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mathematics.
Advisor
John W.M. Bush.
Terms of use
M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission. http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582
Metadata
Show full item record
Abstract
We present a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of the numerous hydrodynamic propulsion mechanisms employed by water-walking arthropods (insects and spiders). In our experimental study, high speed cinematography and flow visualization techniques are used to determine the form of the flows generated by water-walkers. In our supporting theoretical study we provide a formal fluid mechanical description of their locomotion. We focus on the most common means of walking on water such as the alternating tripod gait, rowing, galloping and leaping. We also examine quasi-static modes of propulsion in which the insect's legs are kept stationary: specifically, Marangoni propulsion and meniscus-climbing. Special attention is given to rationalizing the propulsion mechanisms of water-walking insects through consideration of the transfer of forces, momentum and energy between the creature and its environment.
Description
Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mathematics, 2006.
 
This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections.
 
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 142-152).
 
Date issued
2006
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/34981
Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mathematics
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Keywords
Mathematics.

Collections
  • Doctoral Theses

Browse

All of DSpaceCommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjects

My Account

Login

Statistics

OA StatisticsStatistics by CountryStatistics by Department
MIT Libraries
PrivacyPermissionsAccessibilityContact us
MIT
Content created by the MIT Libraries, CC BY-NC unless otherwise noted. Notify us about copyright concerns.