RT Journal Article
T1 The secondary frame in spider orb webs: the detail that makes the difference
A1 Soler Trujillo, Alejandro Mahy
A1 Zaera, Ramón
AB Spider orb webs are multifunctional structures, the main function of which is to dissipate the kinetic energy of the impacting prey, while minimizing structural damage. There is no single explanation for their remarkable strength and ductility. However, it is clear that topology is decisive in the structural performance upon impact, and the arrangement of the different silk threads in the web must also exert an effect. The aim of this study is to show how a slight variation in the geometry markedly affects the prey-capture ability of spider orb webs. The study is focused on the secondary frame, a thread interposed between radial and primary frame strands, the importance of which has not been examined until now. The simulation of the impact performance of webs using different lengths of the secondary frame clarifies its structural role, which has proven to be decisive. Furthermore, the study explains why secondary frame threads of moderate length, as commonly encountered, enable the capture of prey with higher energy without a marked increase in the volume of silk used.
PB Springer
SN 2045-2322
YR 2016
FD 2016-08-10
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10016/31650
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10016/31650
LA eng
DS e-Archivo
RD 1 sept. 2024