scholarly journals Stag Beetle Elytra: Localized Shape Retention and Puncture/Wear Resistance

Insects ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 438
Author(s):  
Lakshminath Kundanati ◽  
Roberto Guarino ◽  
Nicola M. Pugno

Beetles are by far one of the most successful groups of insects, with large diversity in terms of number of species. A part of this success is attributed to their elytra, which provide various functions such as protection to their bodies from mechanical forces. In this study, stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) elytra were first examined for their overall flexural properties and were observed to have a localized shape-retaining snap-through mechanism, which may play a possible role in partly absorbing impact energy, e.g., during battles and falls from heights. The snap-through mechanism was validated using theoretical calculations and also finite element simulations. Elytra were also characterized to examine their puncture and wear resistance. Our results show that elytra have a puncture resistance that is much higher than that of mandible bites. The measured values of modulus and hardness of elytra exocuticle were 10.3 ± 0.8 GPa and 0.7 ± 0.1 GPa, respectively. Using the hardness-to-modulus ratio as an indicator of wear resistance, the estimated value was observed to be in the range of wear-resistant biological material such as blood worms (Glyrcera dibranchiata). Thus, our study demonstrates different mechanical properties of the stag beetle elytra, which can be explored to design shape-retaining bio-inspired composites with enhanced puncture and wear resistance.

Author(s):  
Lakshminath Kundanati ◽  
Roberto Guarino ◽  
Nicola M. Pugno

Beetles are by far one of the most successful and diverse insect species. A part of this success is attributed to their elytra which provide various functions such as protection to their bodies from mechanical forces and the harmful environmental factors. In this study, Stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) elytra were first examined for their overall flexural properties and were observed to have a localized shape retaining snap-through mechanism which could play a crucial role in energy absorption, e.g. during battles and falls from heights. The snap-through mechanism was validated using theoretical calculations and also finite element simulations. Elytra were also characterized to examine their puncture and wear resistance. Our results show that elytra resisted puncture up to a force of 1.8±0.4 N and have puncture resistance compared to that of commercially available puncture resistant gloves. The measured values of modulus and hardness of elytra exocuticle were 10.3±0.8 GPa and 0.7±0.1 GPa. Using the hardness to modulus ratio as an indicator of wear resistance, the estimated value was observed to be in the range of wear resistant biological materials. Thus, our study demonstrates different mechanical properties of the stag beetle elytra which can be explored to design shape retaining bio-inspired composites with enhanced puncture and wear resistance.


1987 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. G. Markow

Abstract Development of the banded radial tire is discussed. A major contribution of this tire design is a reliable run-flat capability over distances exceeding 160 km (100 mi). Experimental tire designs and materials are considered; a brief theoretical discussion of the mechanics of operation is given based on initial two-dimensional studies and later on more complete finite element modeling. Results of laboratory tests for cornering, rolling resistance, and braking are presented. Low rolling resistance, good cornering and braking properties, and low tread wear rate along with good puncture resistance are among the advantages of the banded radial tire designs.


Alloy Digest ◽  
1971 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  

Abstract REYNOLDS 390 and A390 are hypereutectic aluminum-silicon alloys having excellent wear resistance coupled with good mechanical properties, high hardness, and low coefficients of expansion. This datasheet provides information on composition, physical properties, hardness, elasticity, and tensile properties as well as fatigue. It also includes information on high temperature performance and corrosion resistance as well as casting, heat treating, and machining. Filing Code: Al-203. Producer or source: Reynolds Metals Company.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Arumugaprabu ◽  
K.Arun Prasath ◽  
S. Mangaleswaran ◽  
M. Manikanda Raja ◽  
R. Jegan

: The objective of this research is to evaluate the tensile, impact and flexural properties of flax fiber and basalt powder filled polyester composite. Flax fiber is one of the predominant reinforcement natural fiber which possess good mechanical properties and addition of basalt powder as a filler provides additional support to the composite. The Composites are prepared using flax fiber arranged in 10 layers with varying weight percentage of the basalt powder as 5 wt.%, 10 wt.%, 15 wt.%, 20 wt.%, 25 wt.% and 30 wt.% respectively. From the results it is inferred that the composite combination 10 Layers of flax / 5 wt.%, basalt Powder absorbs more tensile load of 145 MPa. Also, for the same combination maximum flexural strength is about 60 MPa. Interestingly in the case of impact strength more energy was absorbed by 10 layers of flax and 30 wt.% of basalt powder. In addition, the failure mechanism of the composites also discussed briefly using SEM studies.


2014 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 520-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serkan Büyükdoğan ◽  
Süleyman Gündüz ◽  
Mustafa Türkmen

Purpose – The paper aims to provide new observations about static strain ageing in aluminium (Al) alloys which are widely used in structural applications. Design/methodology/approach – The present work aims to provide theoretical and practical information to industries or researchers who may be interested in the effect of static strain ageing on mechanical properties of Al alloys. The data are sorted into the following sections: introduction, materials and experimental procedure, results and discussion and conclusions. Findings – Tensile strength, proof strength (0.2 per cent) and percentage elongation measurement were used to investigate the effect of strain ageing on the mechanical properties. Wear tests were performed by sliding the pin specimens, which were prepared from as-received, solution heat-treated, deformed and undeformed specimens after ageing, on high-speed tool steel (64 HRC). It is concluded that the variations in ageing time improved the strength and wear resistance of the 6063 Al alloy; however, a plastically deformed solution-treated alloy has higher strength and wear resistance than undeformed specimens for different ageing times at 180°C. Practical implications – A very useful source of information for industries using or planning to produce Al alloys. Originality/value – This paper fulfils an identified resource need and offers practical help to the industries.


Symmetry ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 39
Author(s):  
Łukasz Warguła ◽  
Dominik Wojtkowiak ◽  
Mateusz Kukla ◽  
Krzysztof Talaśka

This article presents the results of experimental research on the mechanical properties of pine wood (Pinus L. Sp. Pl. 1000. 1753). In the course of the research process, stress-strain curves were determined for cases of tensile, compression and shear of standardized shapes samples. The collected data set was used to determine several material constants such as: modulus of elasticity, shear modulus or yield point. The aim of the research was to determine the material properties necessary to develop the model used in the finite element analysis (FEM), which demonstrates the symmetrical nature of the stress distribution in the sample. This model will be used to analyze the process of grinding wood base materials in terms of the peak cutting force estimation and the tool geometry influence determination. The main purpose of the developed model will be to determine the maximum stress value necessary to estimate the destructive force for the tested wood sample. The tests were carried out for timber of around 8.74% and 19.9% moisture content (MC). Significant differences were found between the mechanical properties of wood depending on moisture content and the direction of the applied force depending on the arrangement of wood fibers. Unlike other studies in the literature, this one relates to all three stress states (tensile, compression and shear) in all significant directions (anatomical). To verify the usability of the determined mechanical parameters of wood, all three strength tests (tensile, compression and shear) were mapped in the FEM analysis. The accuracy of the model in determining the maximum destructive force of the material is equal to the average 8% (for tensile testing 14%, compression 2.5%, shear 6.5%), while the average coverage of the FEM characteristic with the results of the strength test in the field of elastic-plastic deformations with the adopted ±15% error overlap on average by about 77%. The analyses were performed in the ABAQUS/Standard 2020 program in the field of elastic-plastic deformations. Research with the use of numerical models after extension with a damage model will enable the design of energy-saving and durable grinding machines.


Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 535
Author(s):  
Alexander Mironov ◽  
Iosif Gershman ◽  
Eugeniy Gershman ◽  
Pavel Podrabinnik ◽  
Ekaterina Kuznetsova ◽  
...  

Potential relations of tribological characteristics of aluminum antifriction alloys with their compositions and mechanical properties were investigated. In this regard, the properties of eight aluminum alloys containing tin from 5.4% to 11% doped with lead, copper, silicon, zinc, magnesium, and titanium were studied. Mechanical properties such as hardness, strength, relative extension, and impact strength were analyzed. Within the tribological tests seizure load and wear of material were evaluated and secondary structures were studied afterwards. The absence of a definitive correlation between tribological behavior and mechanical properties was shown. It was determined that doping tin over 6% is excessive. The seizure load of the alloys increases with the magnesium content. Secondary structures of the alloys with higher wear rates contain one order less magnesium and tin.


2021 ◽  
pp. 002199832110047
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Mohamed ◽  
Siddhartha Brahma ◽  
Haibin Ning ◽  
Selvum Pillay

Fiber prestressing during matrix curing can significantly improve the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced polymer composites. One primary reason behind this improvement is the generated compressive residual stress within the cured matrix, which impedes cracks initiation and propagation. However, the prestressing force might diminish progressively with time due to the creep of the compressed matrix and the relaxation of the tensioned fiber. As a result, the initial compressive residual stress and the acquired improvement in mechanical properties are prone to decline over time. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the mechanical properties of the prestressed composites as time proceeds. This study monitors the change in the tensile and flexural properties of unidirectional prestressed glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites over a period of 12 months after manufacturing. The composites were prepared using three different fiber volume fractions 25%, 30%, and 40%. The results of mechanical testing showed that the prestressed composites acquired an initial increase up to 29% in the tensile properties and up to 32% in the flexural properties compared to the non-prestressed counterparts. Throughout the 12 months of study, the initial increase in both tensile and flexural strength showed a progressive reduction. The loss ratio of the initial increase was observed to be inversely proportional to the fiber volume fraction. For the prestressed composites fabricated with 25%, 30%, and 40% fiber volume fraction, the initial increase in tensile and flexural strength dropped by 29%, 25%, and 17%, respectively and by 34%, 26%, and 21%, respectively at the end of the study. Approximately 50% of the total loss took place over the first month after the manufacture, while after the sixth month, the reduction in mechanical properties became insignificant. Tensile modulus started to show a very slight reduction after the fourth/sixth month, while the flexural modulus reduction was observed from the beginning. Although the prestressed composites displayed time-dependent losses, their long-term mechanical properties still outperformed the non-prestressed counterparts.


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