Frictional-anisotropy-based systems in biology: Structural diversity and numerical model

Abstract

There is a huge variety in biological surfaces covered with micro-and nanostructures oriented at some angle to the supporting surface. Such structures, for example snake skin, burr-covered plant leaves, cleaning devices and many others cause mechanical anisotropy due to different friction or/and mechanical interlocking during sliding in contact with another surface in different directions. Such surfaces serve propulsion generation on the substrate (or within the substrate) for the purpose of locomotion or for transporting items. We have theoretically studied the dependence of anisotropic friction efficiency in these systems on (1) the slope of the surface structures, (2) rigidity of their joints, and (3) sliding speed. Based on the proposed model, we suggest the generalized optimal set of variables for maximizing functional efficiency of anisotropic systems of this type. Finally, we discuss the optimal set of such parameters from the perspective of biological systems.