Commercially used plastic bird identification bands present challenges when used in studies related to the Common Loon. The loon’s highly specialized leg bone structure and shape, which has evolved to give the species optimal swimming ability, requires correspondingly optimized band shape and size. Existing bands lack matched capability which could jeopardize the loon’s physical fitness and survival. This project quantified the theoretical physical energy costs of existing bands using 3D CAD models and fluid flow simulations to determine drag forces and coefficients. Using our novel and improved leg band design, the drag coefficient was compared to existing bands and the results showed that a specialized leg band for the Common Loon could reduce drag by at least 21 percent.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Goldman, Talya
• Li, Siyuan
• Tanguilig, Vincent

Subject

• Sustainability
• Health
• Environment
• Well-Being
• Innovation

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 19971
• E-project-042821-163108

Keyword

• common loon
• flow simulation
• leg band
• loon

Advisor

• Ambady, Sakthikumar
• Sabuncu, Ahmet Can

Year

• 2021

Sponsor

• Tufts Veterinary School

Date created

• 2021-04-28

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biomedical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2022-05-16