Natures wonders: perfect stingers follow same design (Introduction)

by David Turell , Monday, July 06, 2020, 21:07 (1390 days ago) @ David Turell

The pattern is described by math ratio, perfect except for hollow stingers. that ratio is still to be determined:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/stingers-have-achieved-optimal-pointiness-ph...

"The spines of a cactus, the proboscis of a mosquito, the quills of a porcupine: straight, pointed objects serve a plethora of functions in nature. Yet no matter the size, from bacteriophages’ nanometer-scale tail fibers to narwhals’ two- or three-meter-long tusk, these structures tend to be long and slender cones whose base diameter is much smaller than their length. Now researchers have used physics to explain why this narrow shape is optimal for stingers and other piercing objects—including human-made tools such as hypodermic needles.

"A stingerlike object’s dimensions are limited by two opposing constraints. To puncture its target, it must apply a force large enough to overcome the pressure created by friction. At the same time, this force must be smaller than the “critical load,” the maximum force that the structure can support without bending or breaking. A large range of geometries, from long and narrow to short and wide, satisfy both constraints. Yet living organisms do not exhibit all the possible variability. Instead nature seems to prefer narrow designs with a base-diameter-to-length ratio of around 0.06.

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"Although Jensen and Christensen’s equation describes the shape of a multitude of stingerlike structures, others have complexities not considered in the model. Some plant “stingers” are hollow or contain liquids, and some wasps intentionally bend their stinger during insertion. In both cases, the equation overestimates the base diameter. Jensen hopes to build on his research to understand the physics governing curved teeth, claws and other sharp objects in the natural world. This work could, in turn, inspire a new wave of engineering innovations, he says: “There’s quite substantial potential for learning from nature on how to design these things.'”

Comment: Most of God's designs are perfect. I would guess the hollow stingers will also follow a definite perfect mathematical pattern meeting all physical requirements.