Source of attachment forces of ants and the secretion effect

A test platform was developed based on centrifugaltechnology. Attachment forces of ants were measured to be 40 times of thebody weight. Configuration of claws and pad of ants were observed usingscanning electron microscope. Analysis results suggest that the secretion isvery important. Excluding vacuum force, electrostatic force and othermechanisms, it is likely that capillary force is more significant in thevertical direction and viscosity of the adhesive liquid film dominates inhorizontal pulls. Analysis using ANSYS indicates microfolds on the padsurface facilitate the drainage of the liquid. These results promoteunclosing adhesion mechanisms of insects.