Year: 2010
Type: preprint
Abstract: Fire ants use their claws to grip diverse surfaces, including each other. As a result of their mutual adhesion and large numbers, ant colonies flow like inanimate fluids. In this sequence of films, we demonstrate how ants behave similarly to the spreading of drops, the capillary rise of menisci, and gravity-driven flow down a wall. By emulating the flow of fluids, ant colonies can remain united under stressful conditions.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Authors: Streiff, Micah, Mlot, Nathan, Shinotsuka, Sho, Alexeev, Alex, Hu, David
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1672507502