Papers
2
Total Citations
7
H-Index
2
About
Li Hao’s research lies at the intersection of bio-inspired robotics and unsteady fluid dynamics, with a focus on understanding how animals achieve remarkable locomotion in water and air. His work centers on the aerodynamics and hydrodynamics of flapping flight and swimming, particularly the role of wake capture—a phenomenon where a wing or fin recovers energy from its own wake to enhance thrust and lift. In his most cited study, “Controlling the utility of wake capture in hovering flapping flight,” Hao used a robotic manipulator in water tank experiments to systematically isolate and quantify wake capture forces. He demonstrated that a sinusoidal flapping waveform reduces wake capture coefficients, while increasing flapping amplitude boosts the wake’s contribution to overall force production—a key insight for designing more efficient micro air vehicles and underwater robots. His earlier work on the PLATYPUS biomimetic vehicle examined how pectoral fin flexibility and cross-sectional shape affect swimming speed and maneuverability, directly informing the design of agile underwater robots. With over 7 citations across his top papers, Hao’s experimental approach bridges fundamental fluid mechanics and practical engineering, offering clear design guidelines for next-generation bio-inspired vehicles.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 2