You can not kill this bug, even if you run it with your car
This tiny insect has a lot to teach engineers and manufacturers, scientists say.
Meet the IronClad diabolical beetle (pretty boss name, if you ask ourselves). It's only about two centimeters long, butBuilt as a tiny military tank top of 0f-the-line- Survive to survive run by your car, according to a study of 2020 October published in the newspaperNature. Yes, it is a real scientific fact - and the one that could lead to revolutionary engineering innovations.
The new study, led by engineers from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and Purdue, found that this beetle can withstand an applied force of about 150 newtons - about 39,000 times its body weight - Before the exoskeleton of the insect begins. Fractorize. To put this in perspective, the researchers believe that the amount of the force of a car tire would apply if it would be held on the beetle would be about 100 newtons. Other beetles tested by researchers were unable to resist half of the strength as the IRONCLAD dendoctone could.
What makes this insect particular if incredibly difficult it's almost indestructible? Keep reading to find out. And for insects, you definitely want to keep your distances, checkThe most painful spit you can get from an insect.
1 Its lack of wings contributes to its strength.
Scientists say that the key to the coopest force lies in the two "Elytron" armor that connect to the suture, flowing along the abdomen of the insect. In flying beetles, the elytres are there to protect the wings and facilitate the ability to fly. However, the IronClad diabolical beetle does not have any wings, which allows the elytra and the way they are connected to distribute the force more uniformly throughout its body. And if you wonder what this criminal ring coming from your wall is,These are the most dangerous household parasites, according to experts.
2 Its armor is connected as a puzzle.
"The type of suture of acts like a jigsaw puzzle. It connects variousExoskeletal blades-The pieces of well - in the abdomen under the elytra, "Pablo Zavattieri, PhD, a civil engineering professor at Purdue University, said in a statement. And if you think you know the most dangerous thing to live, discoverThe most murderer animal for man in the world will shock you.
3 And he proposes a multiple defense.
According to researchers, protective blades have the ability to lock each other under the applied force, while maintaining their ability to separate from the suture. This ultimately provides a more variable distribution of force, as well as effective protection of vital organs.
4 Engineers use the IronClad beetle for inspiration.
"An Active Engineering Challenge joins different materials without limiting their ability to support loads. The IronClad diabolical beetle has strategies to circumvent these limitations"David Restrepo, an assistant professor at the University of Texas in San Antonio, said in a statement. Using the insect puzzle structure as a model, engineers think can create fasteners (such as machine joints) that will improve mechanical function in aircraft components, automobiles and other industrial machines. . And for more useful information delivered in your inbox,Sign up for our daily newsletter.
