Mechanical and structural investigations of wings of selected insect species

Michał Landowski , Zuzanna Kunicka-Kowalska , Krzysztof Sibilski

Abstract

This paper presented research and measurements leading to obtaining the Young’s modulus of wing bearing structures of selected insect species. A small testing machine intended for three-point bending and equipped with instruments registering low forces was constructed for the needs of the experiment. The machine was used to perform numerous bending tests of wings of three species of insects (obtained from a breeding farm): Attacus atlas, Vespa crabro, Libellula Depressa at various air-humidity conditions. Values of the force and displacement obtained in the course of the tests were used to calculate Young’s modulus. In order to do so, it was also necessary to obtain the moment of inertia of the wing cross-section. These values were measured on the basis of the images obtained with a SEM microscope. Obtained results were averaged and presented with a breakdown by air-humidity conditions. It was observed that Young’s modulus decreased with an increase of humidity; hence the calculations of the percentage decrease of this mechanical parameter were performed. Obtained results were compared with the observed structure which was also presented under light microscope. It transpired that the construction of a wing does not only influence the mechanical values but also it influences their susceptibility to the changes occurring in the environment. Thereby, differences between Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera insects were indicated also within the aspect discussed in this paper.