Rochester Institute of Technology RIT Scholar Works Theses 3-1-2014 A Portrayal of Biomechanics in Avian Flight Kelly M. Kage Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.rit.edu/theses Recommended Citation Kage, Kelly M., "A Portrayal of Biomechanics in Avian Flight" (2014). Thesis. Rochester Institute of Technology. Accessed from This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by RIT Scholar Works. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses by an authorized administrator of RIT Scholar Works. For more information, please contact
[email protected]. ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of The College of Health Sciences and Technology Medical Illustration In Candidacy for the Degree of MASTER OF FINE ARTS A PORTRAYAL OF BIOMECHANICS IN AVIAN FLIGHT By Kelly M. Kage Date: March 1, 2014 Thesis Title: A Portrayal of Biomechanics in Avian Flight Thesis Author: Kelly M. Kage Chief Advisor: Professor James Perkins Date: Associate Advisor: Associate Professor Glen Hintz Date: Associate Advisor: Professor John Waud Date: Department Chairperson: Vice Dean Dr. Richard Doolittle Date: i ABSTRACT The art of avian flight is incredibly complex and sophisticated. It is one of the most energy- intensive modes of animal locomotion, and requires specific anatomical and physiological adaptations. I believe that in order to truly comprehend the beauty and complexity of avian flight, it is necessary to clearly visualize the anatomical adaptations found in birds. To aid in the visualization process, I set out to produce a series of educational animations that focus on the biomechanical requirements for flight. These requirements are numerous and complex, often making the flight process difficult to visualize and understand.