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Mechanics-based analysis of selected features of the exoskeletal microstructure of Popillia japonica

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2011

Liang Cheng ,
Liyun Wang  and
Anette M. Karlsson
Liang Cheng
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716
Liyun Wang
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716
Anette M. Karlsson*
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716
*
a) Address all correspondence to this author. e-mail: karlsson@udel.edu
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Abstract

We explore key mechanical responses of the layered microstructure found in selected parts of the exoskeletons (pronotum, leg and elytron) of Popillia japonica (Japanese beetle). Image analyses of exoskeleton cross-sections reveal four distinct layered regions. The load-bearing inner three regions (exocuticle, mesocuticle, and endocuticle) consist of multiple chitin-protein layers, in which chitin fibers align in parallel. The exocuticle and mesocuticle have a helicoidal structure, where the stacking sequence is characterized by a gradual rotation of the fiber orientation. The endocuticle has a pseudo-orthogonal structure, where two orthogonal layers are joined by a thin helicoidal region. The mechanics-based analyses suggest that, compared with the conventional cross-ply structure, the pseudo-orthogonal configuration reduces the maximum tensile stress over the exoskeleton cross-section and increases the interfacial fracture resistance. The coexistence of the pseudo-orthogonal and helicoidal structures reveals a competition between the in-plane isotropy and the interfacial strength in nature’s design of the biocomposite.

Keywords

BiomaterialFiberMicrostructure
Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Materials Research , Volume 24 , Issue 11 , November 2009 , pp. 3253 - 3267
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2009

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