The Physics of Butterflies
Louisa Eberle
The beauty and grace of butterflies has long fascinated scientists and poets alike. The development of technology in recent decades has enabled scientists to explore the physics underlying butterflies’ phenomenal behavior and body structure. In my talk I will examine the physics behind three main aspects of butterflies. Topics will include the optics involved in complicated nano-structures responsible for intense wing colors, basic behavioral strategies of thermoregulation, and the basics of flight mechanics, including the time-dependent mechanisms responsible for successful flight. Finally, I will introduce a few examples of potential butterfly-inspired designs.