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On the structure and mechanical properties of beetle shells

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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.

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Author notes

  1. A. Ball

    Present address: Department of Metallurgy and Materials Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Physiology and Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

    H. R. Hepburn & A. Ball

Authors
  1. H. R. Hepburn
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  2. A. Ball
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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

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00561216

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