Diversity of Terrestrial Locomotor Design: Mechanics and Energetics

拟议的研究将检查六足动物（昆虫），作为测试是否存在设计解决方案的第一步，这些解决方案是有腿的陆地运动系统的一般特征。结果将与我们之前对八足设计（螃蟹）的研究以及已发表的关于四足和两足哺乳动物的研究进行比较。申请人建议使用新开发的微型力板来检验机械能波动和稳定性。有氧和无氧能量消耗将使用微型跑步机进行测量。申请人须测试：(1)行走时使用倒立摆装置是否为有腿运动系统的一般特征，是否可能与节能有关；(2)在高速运动中使用弹跳机制是腿部应力的一般特征；(3)腿部运动系统的体型变化会影响机械功率输出，从而决定代谢能量消耗；(4)稳定性是独立于身体形态的小腿陆地运动系统的首要设计标准。将六条腿的动物与两条腿、四条腿和八条腿的动物进行比较，将为今后研究体型变化对陆地运动的影响提供基础。//

The proposed research will examine six-legged animals (insects) as first step toward testing whether or not design solutions exist that are general features of legged, terrestrial locomotor systems. Results will be compared with our previous research on eight-legged designs (crabs) and published work on quadrupedal and bipedal mammals. Using newly developed, miniature force-plate the applicant proposes to examine mechanical energy fluctuations and stability. Both aerobic and anaerobic energy cost will be measured using miniature treadmill. The applicant will test whether or not: (1) the use of an inverted pendulum mechanism during walking is a general feature of legged locomotor systems, possibility relating to energy conservation; (2) the use of bouncing mechanisms during high-speed locomotion is a general feature of legged stress; (3) major variations in body form of legged locomotor systems affect mechanical power output which may determine metabolic energy cost; (4) stability is the foremost design criteria in small legged terrestrial locomotor systems independent of body form. The comparison of a 6-legged design with 2-, 4-, and 8-legged animals will provide the foundation for the future investigation of the impact of variation in body form on terrestrial locomotion.//