Geese in V-Formation: Wingtip Vortices, Upwash and Energy Saving

Blender 5.2 + Three.js r160

-induced saving

-range gain

-selected bird

upwash (free lift)
downwash (extra drag)
wingtip vortices (opposite spin)

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Formation

Bird

Particle search moves every follower to maximise the flock's total induced-power saving.

Wingbeat phase

Wake model

Rotate the lead (share the work) Show wingtip vortices Show upwash / downwash map

Sky

Quality

Drag to orbit, wheel or pinch to zoom, tap a bird to select it.

Experiments: numerical checks

Each button runs the model against an independent calculation, right here in the page.

The science

Educational model. Real-flock savings depend on gusts, turning, wingbeat timing and many unknowns; see the notes in "The science".

Made with 🟠 Blender · Three.js