Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-t5tsf Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-02T16:04:42.181Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Failure And Energy-Absorbing Mechanisms of the Bessbeetle Cuticle

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 February 2011

Katie E. G. Thorp
Affiliation:
University of Dayton Research Institute, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469-0168
Stephen L. Gunderson
Affiliation:
University of Dayton Research Institute, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469-0168
Get access

Abstract

The failure processes of the bessbeetle cuticle were studied through the use of scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, and image analysis techniques. Specimens of elytra and pronotum were failed in tension under the light microscope. The failure process was documented in real time through the use of image analysis equipment and a video camera. Failure occurs primarily in a mixed-mode fashion due to the inherent curvature of the cuticle specimens and their complex hierarchical microstructure. A variety of energy-absorbing mechanisms were observed including remote microcracking, fiber pullout, and crack bridging. Damage accumulation around the failed region is extensive consisting of a significant amount of delamination, fiber-matrix disbonds, microcracking, and intra-fiber failure. The experimental methods and results will be discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1994

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

1. Neville, A. C., Biology of the Arthropod Cuticle, Springer-Verlag, New York, 1975.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
2. Gunderson, S. L. and Whitney, J. M., “Insect Cuticle Microstructure and Its Applications to Advanced Composites,” Biomimetics, Vol.1, No. 2, pp 177197 (1992).Google Scholar
3. Gunderson, S. L., Gunnison (Thorp), K. E., and Sawvel, J. W., “Hierarchical Structure of a Natural Composite: Insect Cuticle,” Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings. Vol. 255: Hierarchically Structured Materials, (I. Aksay, et al. eds.), Materials Research Society, Pittsburgh, PA, pp 159169 (1992).Google Scholar
4. Lai-Fook, J., “The Repair of Wounds in the Integument of Insects,” J. Insect Physiol., Vol.12, pp 195226 (1966).CrossRefGoogle Scholar