Functional design of beetle leg joints: morphology, tribology, and cuticular microstructure

Applicant Konstantin Nadein, Ph.D.
Subject Area Systematics and Morphology (Zoology)
Term from 2018 to 2022
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 414813928
 

Project Description

The goal of this research is to reveal and describe tribological, functional, and structural properties of joints in beetleā€™s legs. The model objects are imagoes of the darkling beetle Zophobas morio and Congo rose chafer Pachnoda marginata. The objectives of the research are: 1. Description of the principal morphological design of joints; 2. Study of the tribological properties of the cuticle of joints (including wear effects); 3. Examination of the contamination resistance properties of the cuticle of joints; 4. Checking the supposed presence of cuticular-based lubrication in joints; 5. Study of the mechanical properties of the cuticle of joints (stiffness, hardness, resilience); 6. Description of the microscale structure of the cuticle in joints and checking of possible presence of reinforcing metals. The research program comprises eight chapters. Chapter 1 represents the general morphological description of primary elements of joints and is the primary descriptive base for the following stages. Chapters 2-8 focus on the selected properties of joints according to the objectives: tribological properties, wear effects, lubrication, contamination resistance, mechanical properties, microscale structure, and elementary composition of the cuticle of joints. The methods of X-ray microtomography, light, fluorescence, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), cryo-SEM, confocal laser scanning microscopy, atomic force microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, nanotribology and nanoindentation will be used in the course of this research. The expected results of the project will supposedly be a relevant and promising contribution to further biomimetic-oriented studies in a broad range of topics in both engineering and material sciences and promising for a biomimetic transfer in studies of microelectromechanical systems and robotics.
DFG Programme Research Grants