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akron1333986580.pdf (503.34 KB)
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Gecko Digital Hyperextension: Kinematics, Surface Roughness and Locomotor Performance
Author Info
Ramirez, Edward A.
Permalink:
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1333986580
Abstract Details
Year and Degree
2012, Master of Science, University of Akron, Biology.
Abstract
The mechanics of gecko adhesion have been tested extensively at the micro- and nanoscopic scale. However, relatively few studies have examined the adhesive system at the whole organism level. One feature that has been overlooked in particular is gecko digital hyperextension. The first objective of this study was to measure the hyperextension of the digits of three different species and test for correlations between hyperextension and kinematic variables such as duty factor. We tested the hypothesis that digital hyperextension measurements are significantly different between species. We also tested the hypothesis that there would be a correlation between duty factor and hyperextension. The second objective was to explore ecological applications to hyperextension by running geckos across substrates of varying surface roughness. We tested the hypothesis that the sprint speeds of species with greater hyperextension would vary less across substrates of different roughness. Our study provides insight on the diversity of gecko adhesion and on how species thrive in different habitats. The results of this experiment can also contribute to engineering applications, such as synthetic adhesives and robotics.
Committee
Peter Niewiarowski, Dr. (Advisor)
Todd Blackledge, Dr. (Committee Member)
Jesse Young, Dr. (Committee Member)
Pages
42 p.
Subject Headings
Zoology
Keywords
gecko adhesion digital hyperextension kinematics surface roughness
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Citations
Ramirez, E. A. (2012).
Gecko Digital Hyperextension: Kinematics, Surface Roughness and Locomotor Performance
[Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1333986580
APA Style (7th edition)
Ramirez, Edward.
Gecko Digital Hyperextension: Kinematics, Surface Roughness and Locomotor Performance.
2012. University of Akron, Master's thesis.
OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center
, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1333986580.
MLA Style (8th edition)
Ramirez, Edward. "Gecko Digital Hyperextension: Kinematics, Surface Roughness and Locomotor Performance." Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1333986580
Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)
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Document number:
akron1333986580
Download Count:
576
Copyright Info
© 2012, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.