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Fig. 8. The relative curvature of a bent beam at failure as a function of the
slenderness of the beam. The relative curvature is given by the radius of
curvature at failure (
evaluated as in Equation 4) divided by the length
of the beam (L) plotted against the length divided by the height of
the beam (L/h). Averages (dots) and ranges of values
(horizontal lines) shown are for the osprey feather tested in the current
experiment. Barbs deform much more relative to their length before failing by
buckling than does the rachis of a feather. Thus, barbs avoid failure by
bending, whereas the rachis avoids failure by depending more on structural and
material strength.
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