Effect of vein microstructure and nanomechanical behaviors on wind-resistant performance of Asian ladybeetle hindwing

Abstract The Asian ladybeetle ( Harmonia axyridis ) is a high-mobility insect which provides inspirations for Micro-aircraft applications. In this study, the hindwings were cut transversely along the curvature change, then the microstructure of leading main vein was investigated. It was found that the thickness of dorsal side (DS) and ventral side (VS) are different, which has an effect on the flying mechanical behaviors of the beetle. Next, the reduced modulus ( E r ) and hardness ( H ) of DS and VS were investigated along the veins varying from the base to the region of the principal transverse fold by using a nanoindenter. Then torque was calculated using ANSYS software and it was confirmed that the vein structure of the hindwing has a relationship to its wind-resistant performance. For further study of the wind resistance performance, two single vein structural models were developed and studied.