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2024-01-14T21:29:00.0000000Z
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The world’s fastest-swimming insect could inspire uncrewed boat designs
Tech Explorist
Whirligig beetles achieve surprising speeds.
By Amit Malewar
Whirligig beetles, known as the fastest-swimming insects, were previously believed to rely on drag-based thrust for propulsion. However, the lift-based thrust is the primary source of acceleration, allowing these aquatic beetles to achieve remarkable swimming speeds.
Whirligig beetles, known as the fastest-swimming insects, were previously believed to rely on drag-based thrust for propulsion. However, the lift-based thrust is the primary source of acceleration, allowing these aquatic beetles to achieve remarkable swimming speeds.
In a new study, scientists used high-speed cameras to demonstrate that lift-based thrust enables the rapid swimming of the whirligigs. The centimeter-long beetles can reach a peak acceleration of 100 meters per second and a top velocity of 100 body lengths per second (or 1 meter per second).
The findings provide an understanding of the remarkable speeds achieved by whirligig beetles and present valuable insights for designers of bio-inspired water robots and unmanned boats operating near the water’s surface.
Read on: https://www.techexplorist.com/fastest-swimming-insect-inspire-uncrewed-boat-designs/79614/