The dynamics of ultrafast motion in biological and bio-inspired systems: the case study of click beetles

Some of the fastest and most extraordinary motions of the animal kingdom are generated by small animals to locomote, hunt, or escape predators. Mantis shrimps, trap-jaw ants, fleas, and click beetles can repeatedly achieve accelerations up to 106 m/s2. These animals generate such high accelerations using complex latch and spring systems to overcome their muscle force-speed trade-offs and amplify mechanical power output. This dissertation introduces a multi-scale analytical and experimental framework to investigate how extreme accelerations are generated in biological systems. I considered click beetles as a case study organism. Click beetles have evolved a power-amplified clicking maneuver that, when unconstrained, results in a jumping motion that does not involve legs. The multi-functional hinge's morphology, kinematics, and dynamics are analyzed to identify the forces driving the ultrafast energy release and how power flows throughout the click beetle body. In this work, the key morphology of click beetle species of various shapes and sizes is imaged and quantified using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and computerized tomography (CT). The kinematics of the ultrafast motion are derived from synchrotron x-ray and natural light high-speed videos. High-speed synchrotron x-ray imaging allows for the visualization and analysis of the hinge's internal structures movements during the release. The dynamics of the energy release are investigated using spectral analysis and non-linear system identification to formulate the equation motion and identify the forces that govern the energy release. This research results in major contributions that enhance understanding of how click beetles can generate extreme accelerations. The latch mechanism is identified and classified as a mechanical latch formed by conformal surfaces in the hinge. The analysis of internal structures’ displacements reveals elastic recoil of soft cuticle during the release, which is part of the distributed spring system click beetles use to power the movement. Quadratic damping and snap-through buckling are identified as the primary release damping and elastic forces, respectively. Finally, a mobility power flow modeling framework is proposed to investigate how power is transmitted and dissipated in the click beetle body and other power amplified organisms. In this dissertation, I provide a pathway for the analysis of ultrafast motion leading to extreme motion dynamics. In-depth understanding of how biological systems can generate ultrafast movements can guide the design of a new generation of insect-inspired robots capable of generating and sustaining extreme accelerations.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2022

Author dc:creator

• Bolmin, Ophelia

Contributors dc:contributor

• Wissa, Aimy A
• Alleyne, Marianne
• Dunn, Alison C
• Hsiao-Wecksler, Elizabeth T
• Vakakis, Alexander F

• click beetles
• dynamics
• power amplification
• power flow
• mobility
• kinematics
• synchrotron x-rays

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright Ophelia Bolmin 2021

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/113311

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/113311