Contact mechanics of pad of grasshopper (Insecta: ORTHOPTERA) by finite element methods

During locomotion, insect feet endure dramatic impact force and generate adhesive force which is controlled by the architecture of the foot. The patterns of smooth attachment pads in insect feet vary widely among insect orders and families. The functional significance of the micro-structure and geometric design of insect feet remains largely unknown. In this study, we developed a two-dimensional finite element model of a grasshopper’s attachment pad. Realistic geometric microstructure and material properties are applied in the biomechanical analysis of the structural behavior during contact. Here we use scanning electronic microscopy to study the microstructure of the grasshopper’s pad, and then use the finite element method to calculate the deformation vector fields, contact stiffness, contact area, function of the airbag and strain fields during the contact process. The results reveal that the geometric design and material topology of a grasshopper’s pads are very effective in reducing contact stiffness, increasing contact area and generating high friction force during the contact procedure. The rod-containing structure supporting the soft exocuticle makes the pads highly adaptive to various surfaces and decreases the stress inside the pads.