Multi-Level Structural Enhancement Mechanism of the Excellent Mechanical Properties of Dung Beetle Leg Joint: Experimental and Bionic Analysis

The dataset was generated through a series of mechanical tests, micro-CT scans, and material composition analyses to investigate the mechanical properties of dung beetle leg joints. The process involved euthanizing individual beetles and extracting their legs for testing. Mechanical testing was conducted using a C43 MTS universal tensile tester at a speed of 5 mm min−1. Cyclic compression testing was performed at 500 mm min−1. Micro-CT scans were taken using a ZEISS Xradia 610 Versa scanner with varying resolutions for different beetle legs. Component analyzes were done using a Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS50 infrared spectrometer and Rigaku Smartlab 3KW for XRD. Samples were prepared and observed under a LEICA EM UC7 slicer and DYF680 fluorescence microscope. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) were used for detailed structural observation. Nanoindentation was performed to characterize hardness and elastic modulus. Bionic mold manufacturing and testing were done using light-curing resin and a laboratory-made universal testing machine. Digital Image Correlation Technology (DIC) and Finite Element Modeling were employed to analyze strain and stress distribution.