The Comparison and Application of 3D-modeled Sutures in the Ironclad Beetle Phloeodes diabolicus for Use in Load-Bearing Construction

In this study, 3D printed breakboards based on the elytral suture of Phloeodes diabolicus were tested along with 3 other traditional joints with alterations in suture dimensions and variation in order to compare strength to weight efficiency, additionally accounting for displacement when under load. These models were then tested to measure both strength and displacement over time in order to quantify load tolerances. Our hypothesis suggests that the 2-layer thick ironclad suture-based board would have the most efficient load-bearing capacity compared to other sutures presented in this experiment. Ironclad beetles, also known as the diabolical ironclad beetle, are renowned for their impressive load-bearing capacities and have been studied extensively by researchers for use in real-world biomimetic applications such as construction in the forms of buildings or bridges where strong load-bearing joints are critical. The utilization of such biomimicry in infrastructures can significantly increase load and stress tolerances while simultaneously minimizing excess material, creating more efficient, cheaper, and safer infrastructures for use. Our findings for the 1st testing phase did not fully align with our hypothesis, as the ironclad-modeled sutures were not the strongest joint in terms of strength-to-weight efficiency when compared to the other joint types. However, the 2-layer thick boards were measured to be exponentially stronger compared to boards with only 1 layer. Overall, the ironclad-based sutures were strong, but it underperformed compared to the other joints presented in the experiment. Due to the fact that the ironclad-based sutures in the 1st phase of testing might have not been reflective of the natural counterpart, a second phase of testing aimed at testing variations of more accurately constructed ironclad-based sutures is being implemented. However, this study facilitates the fundamental understanding of the detailed mechanics of ironclad beetles.