A mechanical analysis based on pterosaur flight

Abstract

Pterosaurs are the earliest vertebrates known to have evolved powered flight and are one of the heaviest flying animals. The reason why pterosaurs can fly has puzzled scientists. This article conducts a mechanical analysis of the cause of pterosaur flight. First, based on the theory of hydrodynamics and aerodynamics, the energy conservation and N-S equations are established to simulate the whole process of pterosaur flight (takeoff-glide-landing). Then, based on Newton's second law, energy equation, and differential motion equation, the power during pterosaur flight is analyzed, and the U-shaped curve is obtained. Next, based on the leaf element-momentum theory, we chose Wellnhopterus brevirostris as our analysis object, and the average velocity and flutter frequency of pterosaur during flight were analyzed[1].