LAUSR

Abstract We used experimental resonant data of AFM cantilevers within a finite element analysis (FEA) modeling to study the resonant curves as a function of the normal and lateral contact stiffness, kN and kS, respectively. An analytical function was fitted to the contact-dependent shape modes obtained from FEA to determine the effective stiffness and effective mass of cantilever of each resonant mode. We use this sensitive dynamic information of the cantilever to perform nanomechanical measurements on the cuticle of the orchid bee Euglossa sp. under dehydrated and hydrated conditions. We implemented acoustic microscopy mappings with resonance tracking to monitor the changes caused by the different kN values on the biocomposite. Results showed a reduction of kN from 39–42 to 36–38 N/m caused by the hydration process, indicating a change in the spatial period of the multilayer system at the epicuticle, which agree with Oliver&Pharr analysis (~1.80 GPa-dehydrated and ~1.4 GPa-hydrated).