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Linkage mechanics and power amplification of the mantis shrimp's strike.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Patek, SN; Nowroozi, BN; Baio, JE; Caldwell, RL; Summers, AP
Published in: The Journal of experimental biology
October 2007

Mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda) generate extremely rapid and forceful predatory strikes through a suite of structural modifications of their raptorial appendages. Here we examine the key morphological and kinematic components of the raptorial strike that amplify the power output of the underlying muscle contractions. Morphological analyses of joint mechanics are integrated with CT scans of mineralization patterns and kinematic analyses toward the goal of understanding the mechanical basis of linkage dynamics and strike performance. We test whether a four-bar linkage mechanism amplifies rotation in this system and find that the rotational amplification is approximately two times the input rotation, thereby amplifying the velocity and acceleration of the strike. The four-bar model is generally supported, although the observed kinematic transmission is lower than predicted by the four-bar model. The results of the morphological, kinematic and mechanical analyses suggest a multi-faceted mechanical system that integrates latches, linkages and lever arms and is powered by multiple sites of cuticular energy storage. Through reorganization of joint architecture and asymmetric distribution of mineralized cuticle, the mantis shrimp's raptorial appendage offers a remarkable example of how structural and mechanical modifications can yield power amplification sufficient to produce speeds and forces at the outer known limits of biological systems.

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Published In

The Journal of experimental biology

DOI

EISSN

1477-9145

ISSN

0022-0949

Publication Date

October 2007

Volume

210

Issue

Pt 20

Start / End Page

3677 / 3688

Related Subject Headings

  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Rotation
  • Predatory Behavior
  • Physiology
  • Models, Biological
  • Joints
  • Decapoda
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Animals
  • Animal Structures
 

Citation

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ICMJE
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Patek, S. N., Nowroozi, B. N., Baio, J. E., Caldwell, R. L., & Summers, A. P. (2007). Linkage mechanics and power amplification of the mantis shrimp's strike. The Journal of Experimental Biology, 210(Pt 20), 3677–3688. https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.006486
Patek, S. N., B. N. Nowroozi, J. E. Baio, R. L. Caldwell, and A. P. Summers. “Linkage mechanics and power amplification of the mantis shrimp's strike.The Journal of Experimental Biology 210, no. Pt 20 (October 2007): 3677–88. https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.006486.
Patek SN, Nowroozi BN, Baio JE, Caldwell RL, Summers AP. Linkage mechanics and power amplification of the mantis shrimp's strike. The Journal of experimental biology. 2007 Oct;210(Pt 20):3677–88.
Patek, S. N., et al. “Linkage mechanics and power amplification of the mantis shrimp's strike.The Journal of Experimental Biology, vol. 210, no. Pt 20, Oct. 2007, pp. 3677–88. Epmc, doi:10.1242/jeb.006486.
Patek SN, Nowroozi BN, Baio JE, Caldwell RL, Summers AP. Linkage mechanics and power amplification of the mantis shrimp's strike. The Journal of experimental biology. 2007 Oct;210(Pt 20):3677–3688.
Journal cover image

Published In

The Journal of experimental biology

DOI

EISSN

1477-9145

ISSN

0022-0949

Publication Date

October 2007

Volume

210

Issue

Pt 20

Start / End Page

3677 / 3688

Related Subject Headings

  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Rotation
  • Predatory Behavior
  • Physiology
  • Models, Biological
  • Joints
  • Decapoda
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Animals
  • Animal Structures