Measurement of Parameters from the Beating Wings of a Bumblebee

Studies the scanning projected line method for measuring the flapping angle, lag angle, torsional angle and torsional deformation of a bumblebee wing during its beating motion. Using an acousto optic deflector (AOD) with high diffraction efficiency to generate the projected lines, allows easy adjustment of the interbeam angle, and a wing having low reflectivity can be measured. This can be used to measure the parameters of a beating bumblebee wing. Combining the AOD together with a grating, the lines can be projected from two perpendicular directions, and the beating bumblebee wing measured with a range of more than 90 degrees. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the method in measuring the flapping angle, lag angle, torsional angle and torsional deformation of a bumblebee wing during its beating motion. A relative accuracy of 2% can be achieved.