A wrinkle in flight: the role of elastin fibres in the mechanical behaviour of bat wing membranes.

Abstract in brief

• The study investigates how elastin fibers in bat wing membranes influence their mechanical behavior, particularly their ability to deform and maintain shape during flight.
• Elastin fibers are oriented in specific directions and mainly contribute to the membrane's flexibility and wrinkling, especially at low stress levels, while the surrounding isotropic matrix bears most of the load under higher stress.
• The architecture and prestress of elastin fibers help the wing membrane stretch, fold, and self-pack, aiding bats in flight by resisting gusts and preventing fluttering of the membrane.]