Fluid Dynamic Forces Acting on Rectangular Plate with Hole in Stokes Flow

The effect of a hole on aerodynamic forces acting on a rectangular plate in Stokes flow is shown. The effect does not depend strongly on the area or location of the hole, because the hydrodynamic forces near the hole are increased and because the effect of the hole on the hydrodynamic forces acting on the plate is decreased. This result can be used to decrease the mass of a cantilever in a micro-flow sensor without affecting its characteristics. When this micro-flow sensor is attached to a flapping wing, the decrease in sensor mass is important because inertia acting on the sensor causes deformation of the flapping wing. This result is important in understanding the flight of insects with bristled wings.