Semi‐solid lubricant in the leg joints of insects is represented by tiny cylindrical fragments. The dynamics of lubricant behavior between contact surfaces at the joint scale are investigated using numerical simulation. Results of modeling show that lubricant fragments tend to stick together and form clots of varying shapes and sizes under the influence of shear motion. Formation of such clots, accompanied by constant loss and reproduction of the lubricant, allows maintaining of fluctuating clearance between contact surfaces and helps to reduce friction. Foreign contaminant particles penetrating an open insect joint are removed by the lubricant, to which they stick, reducing abrasive wear.

中文翻译：

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昆虫腿部关节固体润滑剂行为的大规模数值模拟

昆虫腿部关节中的半固体润滑剂以微小的圆柱形碎片为代表。使用数值模拟研究了接头尺度接触表面之间润滑行为的动力学。建模结果表明，在剪切运动的影响下，润滑剂碎片往往会粘在一起并形成不同形状和尺寸的凝块。这种凝块的形成，伴随着润滑剂的不断损失和再生，可以保持接触表面之间的波动间隙，并有助于减少摩擦。渗入开放式昆虫接头的外来污染物颗粒会被润滑剂去除，并粘附在润滑剂上，从而减少磨料磨损。