Mathematically challenged....
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Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Stevensville MD
Originally Posted by lager99
What do you mean, an African or European Swallow?To begin with, I needed basic kinematic data on African and European swallow species.
South African Swallow
(Hirundo spilodera) European Swallow
(Hirundo rustica)
Although 47 of the 74 worldwide swallow species are found in Africa,1 only two species are named after the continent: the West African Swallow (Hirundo domicella) and the South African Swallow (Hirundo spilodera), also known as the South African Cave Swallow.
Since the range of the South African Swallow extends only as far north as Zaire,2 I felt fairly confident that this was the non-migratory African species referred to in previous discussions of the comparative and cooperative weight-bearing capabilities of African and European swallows.3
Kinematic data for both African species was difficult to find, but the Barn or European Swallow (Hirundo rustica) has been studied intensively, and kinematic data for that species was readily available.
It’s a simple question of weight ratiosA 54-year survey of 26,285 European Swallows captured and released by the Avian Demography Unit of the University of Capetown finds that the average adult European swallow has a wing length of 12.2 cm and a body mass of 20.3 grams.4
Because wing beat frequency and wing amplitude both scale with body mass,5 and flight kinematic data is available for at least 22 other bird species,6 it should be possible to estimate the frequency (f ) and amplitude (A) of the European Swallow by a comparison with similar species. With those two numbers, it will be possible to estimate airspeed (U).
In order to maintain airspeed velocity, a swallow needs to beat its wings forty-three times every second, right?Actually, wrong. By comparing the European Swallow with bird species of similar body mass, we can estimate that the swallow beats its wings 18 times a second with an amplitude of 18 cm:
Species Body mass Frequency Amplitude
Zebra Finch 13 g 27 Hz 11 cm
European Swallow 20 g ≈ 18 Hz? ≈ 18 cm?
Downy Woodpecker 27 g 14 Hz 29 cm
Budgerigar 34 g 14 Hz 15 cm
Note that even the tiny Zebra Finch flaps its wings no more than 27 times a second while cruising.
If we ignore body mass and look only at bird species with a similar wingspan, we can estimate an average frequency of 14 beats per second and an amplitude of 23 cm:
Species Wingspan Frequency Amplitude
Budgerigar 27 cm 14 Hz 15 cm
European Swallow ≈ 28–30 cm ≈ 14 Hz? ≈ 23 cm?
Downy Woodpecker 31 cm 14 Hz 29 cm
European Starling 35 cm 14 Hz 26 cm
By averaging all 6 values, we can estimate that an average European Swallow flies at cruising speed with a frequency of roughly 15 beats per second, and an amplitude of roughly 22 cm.
South African Swallow
(Hirundo spilodera) European Swallow
(Hirundo rustica)
Although 47 of the 74 worldwide swallow species are found in Africa,1 only two species are named after the continent: the West African Swallow (Hirundo domicella) and the South African Swallow (Hirundo spilodera), also known as the South African Cave Swallow.
Since the range of the South African Swallow extends only as far north as Zaire,2 I felt fairly confident that this was the non-migratory African species referred to in previous discussions of the comparative and cooperative weight-bearing capabilities of African and European swallows.3
Kinematic data for both African species was difficult to find, but the Barn or European Swallow (Hirundo rustica) has been studied intensively, and kinematic data for that species was readily available.
It’s a simple question of weight ratiosA 54-year survey of 26,285 European Swallows captured and released by the Avian Demography Unit of the University of Capetown finds that the average adult European swallow has a wing length of 12.2 cm and a body mass of 20.3 grams.4
Because wing beat frequency and wing amplitude both scale with body mass,5 and flight kinematic data is available for at least 22 other bird species,6 it should be possible to estimate the frequency (f ) and amplitude (A) of the European Swallow by a comparison with similar species. With those two numbers, it will be possible to estimate airspeed (U).
In order to maintain airspeed velocity, a swallow needs to beat its wings forty-three times every second, right?Actually, wrong. By comparing the European Swallow with bird species of similar body mass, we can estimate that the swallow beats its wings 18 times a second with an amplitude of 18 cm:
Species Body mass Frequency Amplitude
Zebra Finch 13 g 27 Hz 11 cm
European Swallow 20 g ≈ 18 Hz? ≈ 18 cm?
Downy Woodpecker 27 g 14 Hz 29 cm
Budgerigar 34 g 14 Hz 15 cm
Note that even the tiny Zebra Finch flaps its wings no more than 27 times a second while cruising.
If we ignore body mass and look only at bird species with a similar wingspan, we can estimate an average frequency of 14 beats per second and an amplitude of 23 cm:
Species Wingspan Frequency Amplitude
Budgerigar 27 cm 14 Hz 15 cm
European Swallow ≈ 28–30 cm ≈ 14 Hz? ≈ 23 cm?
Downy Woodpecker 31 cm 14 Hz 29 cm
European Starling 35 cm 14 Hz 26 cm
By averaging all 6 values, we can estimate that an average European Swallow flies at cruising speed with a frequency of roughly 15 beats per second, and an amplitude of roughly 22 cm.
2 Observations:
1. The original question concerned a sparrow....not a swallow.
Which we all know will alter the calculations significantly.2. You have WAY to much time on your hands. I would suggest you get a new C6 as soon as possible to help fill up your day.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Boca Raton FL
[QUOTE=Wolfbane]2 Observations:
1. The original question concerned a sparrow....not a swallow.
Wolfbane:
I think most would agree: Discussing a swallower is far more interesting than a discussing a sparrower.
1. The original question concerned a sparrow....not a swallow.
Wolfbane:
I think most would agree: Discussing a swallower is far more interesting than a discussing a sparrower.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Philly
Originally Posted by lager99
What do you mean, an African or European Swallow?To begin with, I needed basic kinematic data on African and European swallow species.
South African Swallow
(Hirundo spilodera) European Swallow
(Hirundo rustica)
Although 47 of the 74 worldwide swallow species are found in Africa,1 only two species are named after the continent: the West African Swallow (Hirundo domicella) and the South African Swallow (Hirundo spilodera), also known as the South African Cave Swallow.
Since the range of the South African Swallow extends only as far north as Zaire,2 I felt fairly confident that this was the non-migratory African species referred to in previous discussions of the comparative and cooperative weight-bearing capabilities of African and European swallows.3
Kinematic data for both African species was difficult to find, but the Barn or European Swallow (Hirundo rustica) has been studied intensively, and kinematic data for that species was readily available.
It’s a simple question of weight ratiosA 54-year survey of 26,285 European Swallows captured and released by the Avian Demography Unit of the University of Capetown finds that the average adult European swallow has a wing length of 12.2 cm and a body mass of 20.3 grams.4
Because wing beat frequency and wing amplitude both scale with body mass,5 and flight kinematic data is available for at least 22 other bird species,6 it should be possible to estimate the frequency (f ) and amplitude (A) of the European Swallow by a comparison with similar species. With those two numbers, it will be possible to estimate airspeed (U).
In order to maintain airspeed velocity, a swallow needs to beat its wings forty-three times every second, right?Actually, wrong. By comparing the European Swallow with bird species of similar body mass, we can estimate that the swallow beats its wings 18 times a second with an amplitude of 18 cm:
Species Body mass Frequency Amplitude
Zebra Finch 13 g 27 Hz 11 cm
European Swallow 20 g ≈ 18 Hz? ≈ 18 cm?
Downy Woodpecker 27 g 14 Hz 29 cm
Budgerigar 34 g 14 Hz 15 cm
Note that even the tiny Zebra Finch flaps its wings no more than 27 times a second while cruising.
If we ignore body mass and look only at bird species with a similar wingspan, we can estimate an average frequency of 14 beats per second and an amplitude of 23 cm:
Species Wingspan Frequency Amplitude
Budgerigar 27 cm 14 Hz 15 cm
European Swallow ≈ 28–30 cm ≈ 14 Hz? ≈ 23 cm?
Downy Woodpecker 31 cm 14 Hz 29 cm
European Starling 35 cm 14 Hz 26 cm
By averaging all 6 values, we can estimate that an average European Swallow flies at cruising speed with a frequency of roughly 15 beats per second, and an amplitude of roughly 22 cm.
South African Swallow
(Hirundo spilodera) European Swallow
(Hirundo rustica)
Although 47 of the 74 worldwide swallow species are found in Africa,1 only two species are named after the continent: the West African Swallow (Hirundo domicella) and the South African Swallow (Hirundo spilodera), also known as the South African Cave Swallow.
Since the range of the South African Swallow extends only as far north as Zaire,2 I felt fairly confident that this was the non-migratory African species referred to in previous discussions of the comparative and cooperative weight-bearing capabilities of African and European swallows.3
Kinematic data for both African species was difficult to find, but the Barn or European Swallow (Hirundo rustica) has been studied intensively, and kinematic data for that species was readily available.
It’s a simple question of weight ratiosA 54-year survey of 26,285 European Swallows captured and released by the Avian Demography Unit of the University of Capetown finds that the average adult European swallow has a wing length of 12.2 cm and a body mass of 20.3 grams.4
Because wing beat frequency and wing amplitude both scale with body mass,5 and flight kinematic data is available for at least 22 other bird species,6 it should be possible to estimate the frequency (f ) and amplitude (A) of the European Swallow by a comparison with similar species. With those two numbers, it will be possible to estimate airspeed (U).
In order to maintain airspeed velocity, a swallow needs to beat its wings forty-three times every second, right?Actually, wrong. By comparing the European Swallow with bird species of similar body mass, we can estimate that the swallow beats its wings 18 times a second with an amplitude of 18 cm:
Species Body mass Frequency Amplitude
Zebra Finch 13 g 27 Hz 11 cm
European Swallow 20 g ≈ 18 Hz? ≈ 18 cm?
Downy Woodpecker 27 g 14 Hz 29 cm
Budgerigar 34 g 14 Hz 15 cm
Note that even the tiny Zebra Finch flaps its wings no more than 27 times a second while cruising.
If we ignore body mass and look only at bird species with a similar wingspan, we can estimate an average frequency of 14 beats per second and an amplitude of 23 cm:
Species Wingspan Frequency Amplitude
Budgerigar 27 cm 14 Hz 15 cm
European Swallow ≈ 28–30 cm ≈ 14 Hz? ≈ 23 cm?
Downy Woodpecker 31 cm 14 Hz 29 cm
European Starling 35 cm 14 Hz 26 cm
By averaging all 6 values, we can estimate that an average European Swallow flies at cruising speed with a frequency of roughly 15 beats per second, and an amplitude of roughly 22 cm.
yea, its 364 (just incase it wasnt said enough)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,168
Likes: 16
From: Phoenix AZ
[QUOTE=...and as Mr. Wolfe eluded to earlier, I just wanted a number... I am often at the gas pump and asked by a NASCAR (no flame, I'm a HUGE fan) edition pick-up driver,
"Yeee--HAh Dude! Whot's she got in her??" (my C5). To which I reply, "an all aluminum Chevy 350", I then receive much praise and adoration.[/QUOTE]
I get asked almost daily by one of these guys about my '03 Silverado SS, "Yeee--Hah Dude! Whot's she got in her?? A Foor-Fiftee-Foor??
Then I have to explain that GM hasn't used the 454 since the C/K series pickup was replaced by the all new Silverado in August of 1998. Six years!!!
I don't often explain it completely, let alone tell them that it is all wheel drive, 4:10 gears, ect. If you are that far behind, what's the point? 
Oh, and Lager99, that was pretty damn funny
"Yeee--HAh Dude! Whot's she got in her??" (my C5). To which I reply, "an all aluminum Chevy 350", I then receive much praise and adoration.[/QUOTE]
I get asked almost daily by one of these guys about my '03 Silverado SS, "Yeee--Hah Dude! Whot's she got in her?? A Foor-Fiftee-Foor??
Then I have to explain that GM hasn't used the 454 since the C/K series pickup was replaced by the all new Silverado in August of 1998. Six years!!!
I don't often explain it completely, let alone tell them that it is all wheel drive, 4:10 gears, ect. If you are that far behind, what's the point? Oh, and Lager99, that was pretty damn funny
Last edited by vetracer; Aug 25, 2004 at 12:35 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 4,977
Likes: 10
From: Reno NV
I get asked almost daily by one of these guys about my '03 Silverado SS, "Yeee--Hah Dude! Whot's she got in her?? A Foor-Fiftee-Foor??
Then I have to explain that GM hasn't used the 454 since the C/K series pickup was replaced by the all new Silverado in August of 1998. Six years!!! I don't often explain it completely, let alone tell them that it is all wheel drive, 4:10 gears, ect. If you are that far behind, what's the point?
Oh, and Lager99, that was pretty damn funny
Then I have to explain that GM hasn't used the 454 since the C/K series pickup was replaced by the all new Silverado in August of 1998. Six years!!!
I don't often explain it completely, let alone tell them that it is all wheel drive, 4:10 gears, ect. If you are that far behind, what's the point? Oh, and Lager99, that was pretty damn funny
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 34,299
Likes: 1
From: [Enter Unoffensive Comment Here]
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by MYBLU71
We missed the question... What is the velocity, not beats per second to keep a constant speed... 
I am still waiting on the answer...
I am still waiting on the answer... For a European Swallow flying with our estimated wingbeat amplitude of 24 cm, the predicted pattern of cruising flight ranges from a Strouhal number (St) of 0.2:
... to a less efficient 0.4:
If (St = 0.2) is accurate, then the cruising speed of the European Swallow would be roughly 16 meters per second (15 beats per second * 1.1 meters per beat). If (St = 0.4) is accurate, then the cruising speed of the European Swallow would be closer to 8 meters per second (15 beats per second * 0.55 meters per beat).
If we settle on an intermediate Strouhal value of 0.3:
We can estimate the airspeed of the European Swallow to be roughly 11 meters per second (15 beats per second * 0.73 meters per beat).
Airspeed can also be predicted using a published formula. By inverting this midpoint Strouhal ratio of 0.3 (fA/U ≈ 0.3), Graham K. Taylor et al. show that as a rule of thumb, the speed of a flying animal is roughly 3 times frequency times amplitude (U ≈ 3fA).5
We now need only plug in the numbers:
U ≈ 3fA
f ≈ 15 (beats per second)
A ≈ 0.22 (meters per beat)
U ≈ 3*15*0.22 ≈ 9.9
... to estimate that the airspeed velocity of an unladen European Swallow is 10 meters per second.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 34,299
Likes: 1
From: [Enter Unoffensive Comment Here]
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
Originally Posted by MYBLU71
Sorry Jason, thanks for the info... that answers one of the age old questions... now for the meaning of life...