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A minimal wake-vortex model explains formation flight of flapping birds
Olivia Pomerenk, Kenneth S. Breuer
https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.22043 https://arxiv.org/pdf/2602.22043 https://arxiv.org/html/2602.22043
arXiv:2602.22043v1 Announce Type: new
Abstract: Collective patterns of motion emerge across biological taxa: insects swarm, fish school, and birds flock. In particular, large migratory birds form strikingly ordered V-shaped formations, which experiments and direct numerical simulations have demonstrated provide substantial energetic benefits during long-distance flight. However, the precise aerodynamic and morphological mechanisms underlying these benefits remain unclear. In this work, we develop a reduced-order model of the wake-vortex interactions between two flapping birds flying in tandem. The model retains essential unsteady flapping dynamics while remaining computationally tractable. By optimizing over a six-dimensional state space, which comprises the follower's three-dimensional relative position and three independent flapping parameters, we identify the energetically optimal leader-follower configuration of northern bald ibises. The predicted optimum agrees quantitatively with live-bird measurements. Because of its simplicity, the model allows for direct interrogation of the physical mechanisms responsible for this optimum. In particular, it isolates precisely how the follower's wing kinematics interact with the leader's wake to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. The model predicts an 11% reduction in total mechanical power for a follower in formation flight -- consistent with experimental estimates -- and shows that this saving arises from reductions in both induced and profile power, dominated by decreased profile power enabled primarily through reduced flapping amplitude and, secondarily, reduced upstroke flexion. These results provide a mechanistic explanation for the structure of V-formations and offer new insight into the aerodynamic principles governing collective flight.
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"I have always believed in deeds, not words."
As the ongoing Russian attacks keep crippling our infrastructure (as seen from a cold unpowered home with a failing cell connection), I am left with few options. One of them, ruminating before sleep on a strange recurring phenomenon. If not careful, we become what we fight.
We're not infallible. It's the values we keep, the tradeoffs we make to succeed that shape us.
Be vigilant. Watch yourself.
And stay sa…

A look at the growth of Belfast in Northern Ireland as a home for producing TV shows, following the success of the comedy Derry Girls (Hollie Richardson/The Guardian)
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/feb/13/belfast-home-of-quality-tv-drama…

Good Morning #Canada
Today is a twofer of #CanadaRivers as we countdown the longest rivers in Canada.
#23 is the Red River which flows for 890 km, originating at the confluence of the Bois de Sioux and Otter Tail rivers between the U.S. states of Minnesota and North Dakota, flowing northward through the Red River Valley and continuing into Manitoba. It empties into Lake Winnipeg, whose waters join the Nelson River and ultimately flow into Hudson Bay. The river only falls 70 metres over it's length, so there are no hydroelectric opportunities, but because it drains a large watershed of 287,500 km2 it experiences significant spring volumes. This has led to calamitous (love that word) floods plaguing southern Manitoba for centuries. Flood canals and ice cutting (physical removal of large blocks every spring) have mitigated the risks but not eliminated them.
#CanadaIsAwesome #Hydrology
https://www.gov.mb.ca/mti/wms/floodcontrol/redriverbasin/historic.html