Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge

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Our laboratory is located on the second floor of the Austin Building on the New Museums Site at Cambridge University. Facilities consist primarily of three large laboratories: one for wind tunnel experiments, electronics development and model construction, the second for filming and general activities, and the third for ‘wet’ studies using our towing-tank and spinner tank.  We have offices for graduate students and post-docs, and a computer room for data analysis and manuscript preparation.  Our computers are directly connected to the university library for electronic journal access.  We also make extensive use of the machine and electronics workshops maintained by the Department of Zoology.  

Our research is focused on understanding the biomechanics of flight and this has required a diversity of approaches, techniques, and equipment.  Most of the equipment in the lab has been designed and built in-house.

For visualization and kinematic analysis:

  • High-speed digital cinematography and low speed digital videography
  • Professional theatrical lighting of various configurations
  • Wind tunnels
  • Facilities for smoke visualization

For building and controlling mechanical models:

  • Devices can be designed using 3D CAD (computer aided design) software -- Solidworks 3D
  • A Machine Shop with a skilled machinist is on site
  • Most of our control electronics are designed and built in-house
  • We regularly use LabVIEW (National Instruments)
  • We also rely on custom software written in-house for specific applications

Flow visualization:

  • Stereo digital PIV
    • Paired high-resolution CMOS CCD cameras (Pixelfly - double shuttered)
    • New Wave Gemini Nd:YAG 120 mJ Laser
    • vidPIV hardware and software from ILA Gmbh.
    • Custom software written in-house
  • ‘Spinner’ tank for propeller based experiments
  • Large, automated, towing tank for translational movements
  • Digital PTV

For mathematical modelling and data visualization:

  • MathCAD
  • MatLAB
  • TecPlot

The lab has more equipment and expertise, but the above list focuses on our most recent work.

Last updated July 2004
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