On the basis of the microstructure of the cross-section of a beetle's elytra,three bio-inspired lightweight structures were designed and built from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic with a three-dimensional printer.The mechanical properties of three lightweight structures were analyzed and compared employing the finite element method,and quasi-static compression experiments and a three-point bending test on the structure samples were carried out using an electronic universal testing machine to verify the effectiveness of the finite element method.The results show that all three bio-structures were lightweight and had excellent mechanical properties.In particular,the bio-structure with spherical holes and hollow columns perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces best imitated the microstructure of the cross-section of the Cybister elytra and had the greatest specific strength/stiffness in compression and bending.Finally,a preliminary optimization design was obtained for this bio-structure to further improve its specific strength and specific stiffness to 31.82 kN m/kg and 108.73 kN m 2 /kg respectively.
The study of the adhesion of millions of setae on the toes of geckos has been advanced in recent years with the emergence of new technology and measurement methods. The theory of the mechanism of adhesion by van der Waals forces is now accepted and broadly understood. However, this paper presents limitations of this theory and gives a new hypothesis of the biomechanism of gecko adhesion. The findings are obtained through measurements of the magnitude of the adhesion of setae under three different conditions, to show the close relationship between adhesion and status of the setae. They are reinforced by demonstrating two setal structures, follicle cells and hair, the former making the setae capable of producing bioelectrical charges, which play an important role in attachment and detachment processes. It is shown that the abundant muscular tissues at the base of the setae cells, which are controlled by peripheral nerves, are instrumental in producing the foot movement involved in attachment and detachment. Our study will further uncover the adhesion mechanism of geckos, and provide new ideas for designing and fabricating synthetic setae.
