Ants, insects even stronger than we think?
According to a new study, ants are able to withstand much higher than we previously thought forces.
As the world faces the exploits of Olympic athletes, a team of researchers has unveiled once again the outstanding performance of an admittedly more modest but equally impressive champion : the ant.
This remarkable insect is known for years for his prowess in the transport of heavy loads.
Previous studies suggest that the insect is capable of carrying up to 1,000 times its own weight , the equivalent of a fledgling fallen from the nest .
However, this figure already sensational, could be even higher, according to recent findings of work by engineers in mechanical and aerospace Ohio State University. The latter argue that the ant would be able to carry up to 5,000 times its weight !
A very strong joint
This is the neck joint ants would be able to such resistance . In reaching these conclusions , the researchers developed an extreme and destructive protocol. This was to stick on the head of a centrifuge insects size of a compact disk .
The device was then switched on so that the forces applied to the neck ants gradually increase to the point of rupture and deformation of the joint.
The findings, published in the Journal of Biomechanics , indicate that the ants head separates from the body when they apply equivalent between 3,400 and 5,000 times their own body weight means forces.
According to researchers, this resistance is that the surface of the neck joint has microstructures of bumps shaped and folds that allow to take large loads .
0 Comments:
إرسال تعليق