Stress redistributing interdigitated architectures inspired by the diabolical ironclad beetle for stretchable systems

Flexible and stretchable structural systems require geometries capable of maintaining mechanical stability under repeated deformation while minimizing localized stress concentration. In this study, a beetle elytra-inspired flexible architecture based on the interdigitated suture geometry of the diabolical ironclad beetle was developed and compared with conventional Peano curve-based structures. The proposed geometry incorporated elongated elliptical motifs designed to enhance tensile deformability and promote stress redistribution during loading. Finite element analysis demonstrated that the beetle-inspired structures exhibited more uniform strain propagation and lower local stress concentration than conventional structures, particularly in the horizontal configuration. Uniaxial tensile testing further confirmed enhanced deformation sustainability and delayed structural failure in the beetle-inspired architectures. In addition, comparative simulations of deformable sensor-interconnect systems revealed reduced peak stress accumulation near rigid island regions. Overall, the present study demonstrates that beetle-inspired interdigitated geometries can effectively enhance flexibility and mechanical stability in stretchable systems, suggesting their strong potential for future flexible and deformable devices requiring high durability under repeated mechanical deformation.