Solid Lubricant in the Insect Leg Joints: Numerical Simulation of Tribological Properties

AbstractThe behavior of a semi‐solid lubricant from insect leg joints is considered and numerical modeling of its tribological properties is performed. It is shown that elementary lubricant fragments, represented by relatively short cylinders, tend to form clots of different sizes and shapes. The simulation results demonstrate that tribosystem with semi‐solid lubricant is capable of maintaining stability and dynamic equilibrium. The importance of maintaining the relative size of clots and their balanced entry and exit from the tribosystem at an optimal level to ensure stable balance and performance of the joint is emphasized. The function of grooves extending from lubricant‐conducting pores is confirmed to facilitate the distribution of lubricant fragments over smooth contact surfaces where the pores are absent.