Abstract
Rose chafer beetle shells are composites of chitin fibres and proteinaceous matrix in an orthogonal plywood-like laminate. Fibre layers are connected by unique inter and intra-ply cross-links that afford a novel solution to shear and crack-propagation resistance.
The elastic and plastic properties of both isolated fibres and the composite shell were investigated in terms of orientation and state of hydration. It appears that beetle shell design is based on attaining reasonable functional isotropy from an inherently tough anisotropic fibrous structure.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
A. Richards, “The Integument of Arthropods” (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 1951) p. 411.
R. Hearmon andW. Barkas,Proc. Phys. Soc. 53 (1941) 674.
K. Rudall,J. Polymer Sci. Part C,28 (1969) 83.
A. Neville,Symp. Roy. Ent. Soc. Lond. 5 (1970) 17.
H. Hepburn,J. Insect Physiol. 18 (1972) 815.
T. Weis-Fogh,Symp. Roy. Ent. Soc. Lond. 5 (1970) 165.
R. Hackman, “Chemical Zoology” (Academic Press, London, 1971) Part 6, Chapter 1.
K. Rudall,Adv. Insect Physiol. 1 (1963) 257.
W. Barkas, “Mechanical Properties of Wood and Paper” (North-Holland, Amsterdam, 1953) Chapter 3.
J. Dinwoodie,Composites 2 (1971) 170.
P. Cratchley andD. Jackson,J. Mech. Phys. Solids. 14 (1966) 49.
B. Harris,Composites 3 (1972) 152.
R. Hearmon,Proc. Phys. Soc. 55 (1943) 67.
M. Jensen andT. Weis-Fogh,Proc. Roy. Soc. Lond. Ser. B. 245 (1962) 137.
J. Gordon, “The New Science of Strong Materials” (Penguin Books, Harmondsworth, 1968) p. 269.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Hepburn, H.R., Ball, A. On the structure and mechanical properties of beetle shells. J Mater Sci 8, 618–623 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00561216
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00561216