Microscopy imaging and modeling study on the mechanical properties of the primary flight feather shaft of the bean goose, Anser fabalis.

Abstract

Avian flight feathers have the unique advantages of lightweight and high strength, which play a key role in their flight capacity. In this article, the rachis of the bean goose's primary flight feather was used as the research object. Its compressive properties were analyzed and the 3D microscale was observed by 3D microscope system with a super wide depth of field. The distribution of mechanical properties, section variation of fiber and internal microstructure of rachis were obtained by micro-CT technique. Based on these results, a 3D reconstructed model was established for structure mechanical simulation. The simulation results were close basically to the compressive strength of the actual sample. These results show that the synergistic effect of cortex and medulla can improve mechanical resistance of the rachis. Therefore, the best position (N3) of the primary flight feather shaft can be applied to the bionic design of thin wall structures for energy absorption. This research can provide some guidance for the application of lightweight structural design. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The internal structure of bean goose feather shaft was observed by micro-CT. The experimental method has a deeper understanding of the compressive properties of rachis fiber orientation. Under the synergistic effect of cortex and medulla, the compressive performance of rachis is better.