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Mechanics of Self-Similar Hierarchical Adhesive Structures Inspired by Gecko Feet

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Structural Interfaces and Attachments in Biology

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Abstract

Gecko and many insects have evolved specialized adhesive tissues with hierarchical structures that allow them to maneuver on vertical walls and ceilings. The adhesion mechanisms of gecko must be robust enough to function on unknown rough surfaces and easily releasable upon animal movement. In this chapter, we review the robust and releasable adhesion devices used by the gecko. These topics are presented from the point of view of contact mechanics and fracture mechanics. Findings provide a theoretical foundation to understand adhesion mechanisms in biology and also suggest possible strategies to develop novel adhesive materials for engineering applications.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge stimulating discussions on biological adhesion systems with many colleagues including K. Autumn, E. Arzt, B. Chen, Q.H. Cheng, L.M. Dai, R. Fearing, R.J. Full, S. Gorb, P. Guduru, A. Jagota, C.Y. Hui, K. Kendall, R. Spolenak, Z.L. Wang, Z.Q. Zhang, and Y.W. Zhang. HY acknowledges helpful discussions with Dr. Patrick Klein on the FEM simulations using Tahoe. Support of this work has been provided by the Max Planck Society, Brown University, the A*Star VIP Program in Singapore, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (11072273), and the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in China.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong

    Haimin Yao

  2. School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA

    Huajian Gao

Authors
  1. Haimin Yao
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  2. Huajian Gao
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Correspondence to Huajian Gao .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Washington University, South Euclid 660, St. Louis, 63110, Missouri, USA

    Stavros Thomopoulos

  2. , Engineering Education Center, Missouri University of Science and Tech., University Blvd. One, St. Louis, 63121, Missouri, USA

    Victor Birman

  3. , Mechanical Engineering, Washington University, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, 63130, Missouri, USA

    Guy M. Genin

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Yao, H., Gao, H. (2013). Mechanics of Self-Similar Hierarchical Adhesive Structures Inspired by Gecko Feet. In: Thomopoulos, S., Birman, V., Genin, G. (eds) Structural Interfaces and Attachments in Biology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3317-0_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3317-0_10

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-3316-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-3317-0

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