The Locust Ovipositor: A Form Follows Function Study of a Unique Digging Apparatus

理想的挖洞机构和技术应该是结构紧凑、节能、对环境影响小。几项研究提出了基于自然界挖掘设备的生物灵感解决方案。在昆虫产卵或产卵工具中发现了有前途的方法和结构。蚱蜢和蝗虫的产卵器是一种高度专业化的结构。蚱蜢和蝗虫在昆虫中是罕见的，它们的产卵器通过打开和关闭阀门而不是通过滑动阀门来工作。我们提出了一项形式追随功能的研究，表征了雌性蝗虫产卵者的独特适应性。我们将研究结构和材料梯度的存在，并检查其在挖掘机制中的作用，使用动物实验，材料科学工具和计算机模拟。我们的首要目标是了解蝗虫挖掘阀的生物力学，并在对自然系统的理解的基础上设计出生物灵感挖掘者。首先，我们将观察雌性蝗虫使用的挖掘阀，并跟踪其个体发育。我们将使用共聚焦激光扫描显微镜和光谱学来绘制挖掘阀的材料特性。纳米压痕和纳米磨损测试将提供机械性能的定量测量。我们将根据不同的颗粒介质测量作用在蝗瓣上的摩擦力，并量化产卵过程中的能量消耗和能量耗散。接下来，我们将为蝗虫启发的挖掘机建立结构设计、机械和表面特性的指导方针。我们将使用有限元分析来确定结构和材料特性的变化如何影响其性能。将利用计算机模拟来阐明雌蝗阀内的载荷分布，同时考虑到在生物有关条件下对生物体施加的力的测量结果。最后，我们将根据所获得的知识开发生物启发挖掘机。我们将3d打印不同形式和材料的阀门，以检查自然设计对其功能的适用性。根据挖掘介质的不同，将进一步调整结构和表面性能，以提高和延长挖掘机的性能。所有的研究都将以高度合作的方式进行，利用研究小组的互补专业知识。获得的许多初步数据证明了我们合作方法的优势。我们期望我们的联合部队将导致了解雌性蝗虫挖掘装置的结构和功能，并进一步开发仿生混合软硬机器人挖掘者，包括注入功能，抗机械损伤，颗粒介质特异性和能量最小化操作。

Ideal digging and burrowing mechanisms and technologies should be compact in structure, energy-efficient and have low impact on the environment. Several studies presented bioinspired solutions, based on digging apparatuses in nature. Promising methods and structures are found in insect oviposition or egg-laying tools. The ovipositor of grasshoppers and locusts, for once, is a highly specialized structure. Grasshoppers and locusts are rare among insects in having ovipositor that work by opening and closing valves rather than by sliding valves upon each other. We propose a form-follows-function study, characterizing the unique adaptations found in the ovipositor of the female locust. We will investigate the presence of structural and material gradients ovipositors valves, and examine their role role in the digging mechanism, using experiments with the animals, materials science tools and computer simulations. Our overarching aim is to understand the biomechanics of the locust digging valves and engineer bioinspired diggers based on the understanding of the natural system. First, we will observe the digging valves as used by the female locust and follow their ontogeny. We will map the material properties of the digging valves using confocal laser scanning microscopy and spectroscopy. Nanoindentation and nanowear tests will provide quantitative measures of the mechanical properties. We will measure friction forces acting on the locust valves, depending on different granular media, and quantify the energy consumption and energy dissipation during oviposition. Next, we will establish guidelines for structural design, mechanical and surface properties forlocust-inspired diggers. We will use finite elements analysis to determine how changes in the structure and material properties influence its performance. Computer simulations will be utilized to elucidate the load distribution in the female locust valve, taking into account the results of measurements of the forces exerted by the organisms under biological relevant conditions. Finally, we will develop bioinspired diggers based on the knowledge gained. we will3D print the valves in different forms and materials in order to examine the suitability of the natural design to its function. The structural and surface properties will be further adjusted in order to improve and extend the performance of the digger, depending on the digging medium. All research will be conducted in a highly collaborative manner, utilizing the complementary expertise of the research groups. The strength of our collaborative approach isdemonstrated by the many preliminary data obtained. We expect that our joit forces will lead to understanding the structure and function of the digging apparatus of the female locust and furthermore to the development of bio-inspired hybrid soft-stiff robotic diggers that will include injection function, resistance to mechanical damage, granular media specificity and energy minimized operation.