Phys.org March 29, 2022
Octopus, clingfish, and larva use soft cups to attach to surfaces under water. Using a novel micro cup, fabricated by two-photon lithography, coupled with in situ pressure sensor and observation cameras, an international team of researchers (Germany, USA – University of Illinois) has detailed the nature of its attachment/detachment under water. It involves elasticity-enhanced hydrodynamics generating “self-sealing” and high suction at the cup-substrate interface, converting water into “glue.” Detachment is mediated by seal breaking. They identified three distinct mechanisms of breaking including elastic buckling of the cup rim. A mathematical model described the interplay between the attachment/detachment process, geometry, elasto-hydrodynamics, and cup retraction speed. If the speed is too slow, then the octopus cannot attach; if the tide is too gentle for the larva, then water cannot serve as a glue. The concept of “water glue” can innovate underwater transport and manufacturing strategies…read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Bioinspiration and its implementation in underwater attachment… Credit: SCIENCE ADVANCES, 23 Mar 2022, Vol 8, Issue 12