Self-consistent numerical model of mosquito dynamics with specified kinematic parameters of wing movement

Abstract

Mosquito flight dynamics was considered using an advanced mathematical model with experimentally determined and biologically relevant parameters. The model was developed using a self-consistent algorithm. It described mosquito’s body and wing oscillations using mechanics equations and aerodynamic flows, simultaneously. Six equations were used for the mechanics of the mosquito (relative to the center of mass), and Navier–Stokes equations simulated aerodynamics. Numerical methods employed deformable computational mesh with specific mesh construction near the wing boundaries. Using size, shape and weight characteristics of the Culex quinquefasciatus (male) mosquito the flight dynamics was computed and analyzed. It was determined that the mosquito lift force was proportional to the square of the wing frequency. Specifically, we found a critical frequency of approximately 820 Hz that corresponded to mosquito freezing when the lift force compensated gravity. This number was consistent to experimentally determined mosquito flight characteristics. Mechanism of mosquito’s lift force generation was discussed.