Journal article
Friction ridges in cockroach climbing pads: Anisotropy of shear stress measured on transparent, microstructured substrates
Journal of Comparative Physiology A, Vol.195(9), pp.805-814
2009
Abstract
The contact of adhesive structures to rough surfaces has been difficult to investigate as rough surfaces are usually irregular and opaque. Here we use transparent, microstructured surfaces to investigate the performance of tarsal euplantulae in cockroaches (Nauphoeta cinerea). These pads are mainly used for generating pushing forces away from the body. Despite this biological function, shear stress (force per unit area) measurements in immobilized pads showed no significant difference between pushing and pulling on smooth surfaces and on 1-μm high microstructured substrates, where pads made full contact. In contrast, on 4-μm high microstructured substrates, where pads made contact only to the top of the microstructures, shear stress was maximal during a push. This specific direction dependence is explained by the interlocking of the microstructures with nanometre-sized "friction ridges" on the euplantulae. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy revealed that these ridges are anisotropic, with steep slopes facing distally and shallow slopes proximally. The absence of a significant direction dependence on smooth and 1-μm high microstructured surfaces suggests the effect of interlocking is masked by the stronger influence of adhesion on friction, which acts equally in both directions. Our findings show that cockroach euplantulae generate friction using both interlocking and adhesion. © Springer-Verlag 2009.
Details
- Title
- Friction ridges in cockroach climbing pads: Anisotropy of shear stress measured on transparent, microstructured substrates
- Authors
- Christofer J Clemente (Author) - University of Cambridge, United KingdomJ H Dirks (Author) - University of Cambridge, United KingdomD R Barbero (Author) - Cavendish Laboratory, United KingdomU Steiner (Author) - University of Freiburg, GermanyW Federle (Author) - University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Publication details
- Journal of Comparative Physiology A, Vol.195(9), pp.805-814
- Publisher
- Springer
- Date published
- 2009
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00359-009-0457-0
- ISSN
- 0340-7594; 0340-7594
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449334902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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