I have read the postings on animal size and characteristics. I woulda thought that canine counter-example demolished the heart beat hypothesis. Didn't Sherlock Holmes comment on "the strange behavior of the dog"? Some personal experiences are of interest. In 1976 Paul MacCready and I started looking at a human powered flyer. I was responsible for lift and propulsion and studied same. Not having the luxury of Friam correspondents, for whom talk is all, I needed to know the correct results, and incorporate them properly. There's a lotta data on human power, much from cycle-type ergometers. Conclusions are that, roughly speaking, legs, arms, torso, together or separately, put out about the same amount, and, within reasonable frequency ranges, the power is invariant with rate. Thass why gears on bikes is so good! Human bod a pretty fine machine! This was helpful, since I could design a prop of size and speed that the air liked, and assume our excellent pilot/engine, Bryan Allen, would be able to harness it with his usual consummate style and skill -- and fly! He did! On the effect of scale, the general result is that smaller animals have a higher power/weight. For example, Mickey (Mus musculis) can do more at his weight than Dumbo (Loxodonta africana). My scaling calculations indicate that the human being is indeed the largest of the animals capable of flight. Many folks find this touching! The Bard did. " Oh what a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason! How infinite in faculty! In form, in moving, how express and admirable! In action, how like an angel! In apprehension, how like a god!' Peter Lissaman, Da Vinci Ventures Expertise is not knowing everything, but knowing what to look for. 1454 Miracerros Loop South, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505,USA tel:(505)983-7728
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