Speaker
Description
The biological protective structures commonly found in tortoises, fishes, or mollusks rely on assembling the individual stiff elements connected by soft deformable interfaces. However, smaller animals can employ different protective mechanisms. The complex multi-layered outer shell of Daphnia consists of two integuments that enclose a space filled with pressurized hemocoel and fibrous pillars connecting the integuments. The pillars themselves are anchored in the integuments and feature wide bases with slim waists. When the carapace is exposed to local loads in a predator attack, the loaded pillar buckles almost immediately. As a result of the indentation, the surrounding fibrous pillars get extended, redistributing and dissipating the external load.
We replicated the protective design of Daphnia shell on a macroscale using multi-material 3D printing. The mechanical performance of the liquid-filled daphnia-inspired dual-layer protective shell with embedded fibers was evaluated. Using experimental and numerical methods, we demonstrated that the mechanical response of the designed exoskeleton on the local indentation is defined by the number of thin fibers connecting two shells and the internal pressure. An increase in the internal pressure leads to a more robust response that postpones the buckling of the thin fibers near the indentation zone. The synergetic interplay between solid and fluid mechanics facilitates the beneficial mechanical performance of the daphnia-inspired dual-layer shell. The design principles adopted from Daphnia can be employed for the development of new protective armor.
| Speaker Country | Germany |
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