Aerodynamic innovation during the evolution of mammalian flight

How did mammal limbs evolve for flying?

Flight evolution is often compared to aircraft development, with early flyers thought to be highly stable to avoid crashing due to turbulent air.

You will test this idea with simple physical models and computational analyses, and reshape thinking about how mammalian flight evolved.

Project description

This project investigates one of evolution’s most remarkable transitions: the origin of flight.

Mammals evolved gliding wings independently at least six times—twice in rodents, three times in marsupials, and once near the base of primates.

These wings are low aspect ratio (almost square) and made of thin, flexible skin that billows during movement, giving them unique aerodynamic properties that are likely critical to their evolution.

Traditionally, early flyers are thought to have been highly stable—like early aircraft—to avoid crashing due to turbulence. But this assumption may be flawed as terrestrial and arboreal animals regularly reorient their body using tail movements, and humans control wingsuits without any flight-specific neuroanatomy.

In this project, you’ll test classic hypotheses and develop new hypotheses about flight evolution using simplified physical models and computational simulations. You’ll explore how mass distribution, moment of inertia, wing shape, and billowing affect flight control and stability.

Your work will challenge existing ideas and offer new insights into how flight may have emerged in mammals. You’ll gain hands-on experience in biomechanics, aerodynamics, evolutionary biology, and computational modelling.

The project suits students from biology, physics, or engineering backgrounds, and offers opportunities to develop coding and analytical skills.

This research could reshape our understanding of flight and evolution of function in the fluid environment—and inspire innovations in bio-inspired design and robotics.

Training

The IGNITE programme provides comprehensive personal and professional development training alongside extensive opportunities for students to expand their multi-disciplinary outlook through interactions with a wide network of academic, research and industrial/policy partners.

Programming (Matlab or Python) Computational fluid dynamics with openFOAM or Ansys Fluent Flight dynamics & aerodynamics analysis Experimental design and sensitivity analyses Oral presentation Creating high-quality scientific images Producing compelling scientific videos Drafting scientific manuscripts.

Entry requirements

A UK bachelor’s degree with upper second-class honours or higher in a relevant subject. See international equivalent qualifications on the University’s website.

English language: IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components. We accept other English language tests.