The Tribological Adaptability for Ventral Scales of Dinodon rufozonatum in Dry/Wet/Rough Environments

Abstract

The ventral scales of Dinodon rufozonatum were investigated to understand the outstanding tribological adaptability in various environments. The coefficient of friction (COF) of ventral scales was measured and changed with the contact conditions. It was discovered that the COF of scales under water-lubrication conditions (WLC) was larger than that under dry conditions (DC). More interestingly, the COF increased first and then decreased as the substrate roughness reduced. The abrasion marks on scales were then observed. The results indicated that the scales in DC wore more gently than that in WLC. Moreover, the degree of wear reduced with the decrease of substrate roughness. The frictional performance of ventral scales enabled the snakes to move more efficiently, quickly, and flexibly in multiple environments.