Abstract
ABSTRACTDuring high-speed pursuit of prey, the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) has been observed to swing its tail while manoeuvring (e.g. turning or braking) but the effect of these complex motions is not well understood. This study demonstrates the potential of the cheetah's long, furry tail to impart torques and forces on the body as a result of aerodynamic effects, in addition to the well-known inertial effects. The first-order aerodynamic forces on the tail are quantified through wind tunnel testing and it is observed that the fur nearly doubles the effective frontal area of the tail without much mass penalty. Simple dynamic models provide insight into manoeuvrability via simulation of pitch, roll and yaw tail motion primitives. The inertial and quasi-steady state aerodynamic effects of tail actuation are quantified and compared by calculating the angular impulse imparted onto the cheetah's body and its shown aerodynamic effects contribute to the tail's angular impulse, especially at the highest forward velocities.
Highlights
The cheetah’s hunting success has been attributed to both its speed and agility during acceleration and turning, with tail movements often being associated with these manoeuvres (Wilson, et al, 2013)
The cheetah tail is commonly referred to as functioning as a rudder or a counterweight (Eaton, 1972; Thompson, 1998)
Aerodynamic effects of the cheetah tail during rapid manoeuvres have not been investigated and our hypothesis is that the long, furry tail generates aerodynamic forces
Summary
The cheetah’s hunting success has been attributed to both its speed and agility during acceleration and turning, with tail movements often being associated with these manoeuvres (Wilson, et al, 2013). Aerodynamic effects of the cheetah tail during rapid manoeuvres have not been investigated and our hypothesis is that the long, furry tail generates aerodynamic forces
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