Structural biomechanics of ultrafast latch mechanisms in trap-jaw ants

2022 Fiscal Year Annual Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22F21772
• Research Institution: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University
• Host Researcher: ECONOMO Evan 沖縄科学技術大学院大学, 生物多様性・複雑性研究ユニット, 教授 (30648978)
• Foreign Research Fellow: GIBSON JOSHUA 沖縄科学技術大学院大学, 生物多様性・複雑性研究ユニット, 外国人特別研究員
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-22 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: LaMSA / Biomechanics / Trap-jaw ants / Structural mechanics

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

The objective of the research project was to investigate the influence of latch morphology and orientation on the structural mechanics of biological spring and latch mechanisms using the hyperdiverse trap-jaw ant genus Strumigenys as a model. This was to be done by using finite element analysis to simulate the loading of the spring and latch jaw mechanism of multiple species of Strumigenys which possess varying latch morphologies. Due to the shortened duration of the fellowship, only preliminary data was collected on the latch orientation during the loading phase of strikes for a single species of Strumigenys, which will be used to inform the boundary conditions of the eventual FEA models. Surprisingly these videos also showed evidence of head cuticle deformation during the loading phase of strikes in this species, which in other unrelated lineages of trap-jaw ants is known to assist in elastic energy storage for powering mandible strikes but was previously unknown to occur in Strumigenys. The collaboration between Drs. Gibson and Economo will continue past the conclusion of the fellowship and additional data and results will eventually be collected. Once completed, this research is expected to shed light on the fundamental relationships between morphology and stress mitigation in latch mediated spring powered biological systems.

Research Progress Status

令和4年度が最終年度であるため、記入しない。

Strategy for Future Research Activity

令和4年度が最終年度であるため、記入しない。