Assuming 100 downward strokes per second, estimate the average power output of the insect.

Question

A typical flying insect applies an average force equal to twice its weight during each downward stroke while hovering. Take the mass of the insect to be 10g, and assume the wings move an average downward distance of 1.0cm during each stroke.

Answer 1

PROBLEM

 

Assuming 100 downward strokes per second, estimate the average power output of the insect.
A typical flying insect applies an average force equal to twice its weight during each downward stroke while hovering. Take the mass of the insect to be 10g, and assume the wings move an average downward distance of 1.0cm during each stroke.

 

SOLUTION

 

m_insect=0.010 kg

weight_insect=(0.010 kg)(9.81 m/s²)=0.981 N

F_downstroke=2weight_insect=1.962 N

W_downstroke=F_downstroked=(1.962 N)(0.01 m)=(0.1962 J)

P_downstroke=W_downstroke/Δt=(0.1962 J)/(1 downstroke×1 s/100 downstrokes)=0.001962 W