Load distribution among legs and kinematics of striding and turning in water striders : Impact of leg loss on locomotory behavior
Water striders traverse the water–air interface by harnessing surface tension, which effectively supports their body weight. To maintain buoyancy, they continuously adjust their leg positions, with midlegs generating thrust and the other legs providing support. This precise coordination allows for smooth, gentle striding, enabling them to swiftly navigate obstacles—an essential capability for exploring their habitat and evading threats. Stability is critical for water striders, but leg damage can severely impair their movement. Our study examines how load distribution changes after amputation, revealing that amputees regain stability by adjusting leg positions and redistributing weight. However, amputations lead to steering failures, altered motion, shorter travel distances, and greater deviations from their intended path, as the legs functionally interact, making the loss of one leg detrimental to the others. We also investigate the intricate coordination required for water striders to initiate and sustain turns, emphasizing the pivotal role of midlegs in directional control. Through analyzing leg accelerations, decelerations, and load distribution, we uncover the dynamics behind turns, including the use of reverse sculling as a novel escape tactic. This research not only deepens our understanding of aquatic locomotion but also provides insights that could inspire the design of more efficient and agile aquatic robots.
Vorschau
Rechte
Nutzung und Vervielfältigung:
Bitte beachten Sie, dass einzelne Bestandteile der Publikation anderweitigen Lizenz- bzw. urheberrechtlichen Bedingungen unterliegen können.