Arthropod leg joints as biological devices: design, mechanical properties and anti-friction mechanisms

• Applicant: Konstantin Nadein, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Systematics and Morphology (Zoology)
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 501845351

Arthropod leg joints are complex biological devices and a key element of their legged locomotor system. Joints connect segments of legs to each other, provide intersegmental movability, and ensure stability and accuracy of movements. The research project focuses on the study of leg joints of insects, centipedes, terrestrial crabs and spiders. The goal of this research is to describe and represent the leg joints of arthropods as a biological device. To achieve this goal, the following objectives are pursued with respect to the leg joints: 1. Description of the principal morphological design and interposition of structural elements; 2. Examination of the motions of the structural elements and representing joints as a kinematic pair; 3. Study of the material properties of the cuticle of the joints; 4. Investigation of the mechanical properties of the joints by the finite element method; 5. Study of the anti-friction mechanisms of the joints. The methods of micro-computed X-ray tomography, light, fluorescence, confocal laser scanning microscopy, atomic-force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, high-speed videography, force measurements, microtribology, nanoindentation, white light interferometry, 3D measurement microscopy, and 3D-printing will be used in the course of this research. The results of the project are supposed to be relevant for revealing the biomimetic potential of the arthropod legged locomotor systems and will generally and fundamentally contribute to the understanding of the morphology, anatomy, kinematics, material, mechanical and functional properties of leg joints of arthropods.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants