Biomimicking interfacial fracture behavior of lizard tail autotomy with soft microinterlocking structures
Navajit S Baban1, Ajymurat Orozaliev1, Christopher J Stubbs2
1Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Bioinspiration & Biomimetics
|January 24, 2022
Summary
Inspired by lizard tails, scientists created a biomimetic soft patch with tunable adhesion. This microinterlock technology enhances adhesion strength and toughness, with applications in soft robotics and prosthetics.
Area of Science:
- Biomimetics
- Materials Science
- Soft Robotics
Background:
- Biological soft interfaces utilize microscale interlocking for robust yet flexible connections.
- Lizard tail autotomy demonstrates tunable interfacial fracture and adhesion release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a muscle-actuated microinterlock mechanism inspired by lizard tail autotomy.
- To develop a biomimetic soft patch with tunable adhesion for on-demand release.
Main Methods:
- Developed a soft bilayer patch with hemispherical microstructures for interlocking.
- Integrated a microchannel in the bottom layer to mimic muscle-actuated deflection via negative pressure.
- Evaluated adhesion strength and toughness in microinterlocked and released states.
- Performed computational analysis to understand adhesion augmentation mechanisms.
Main Results:
- The biomimetic tail showed a 2.7-fold increase in adhesion strength and a 3-fold increase in toughness when microinterlocked.
- Pneumatic release significantly decreased interfacial adhesion.
- Subsurface microchannels augmented adhesion by increasing interface compliance and reducing strain energy dissipation by 50%.
Conclusions:
- The developed biomimetic soft patch exhibits highly tunable adhesion.
- The microinterlock mechanism effectively mimics lizard tail autotomy for controlled adhesion.
- Potential applications include advanced soft robotics and prosthetic devices.
