Attack and defense are the names of nature’s game. For every bird that eats amphibians, there is a poisonous frog. And there is a tortoiseshell for each predator with fangs. But if we seek masters to protect the oceans, life probably holds some of the most effective specimens. Just one example for holding cooked meat under a tough exoskeleton. Nevertheless, there are mollusks with very unique armor that combines the resistance of bivalves with the flexibility of crustaceans.
Also known as the cradle of the sea, chiton’s secret lies in the eight mineralized scales that make up its outer shell. They are curved moving parts that resemble roof tiles.In the latest example marine life mimicrythis fact is innovative bio armor Developed by a team of experts from various institutions and countries. This collaborative effort includes his MIT in the United States, the University of California, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School, and his Max Planck Colloid and Interface Institute in Germany.
Pioneering biomimetic research
Chiton shell resistance was already known, but scientists had not yet studied its structure in depth. The researchers therefore began by analyzing the layout of the plaques. 3D tomographyStarting from that information, they 3D model Assemble the scales at various positions on the soft substrate.this biomimicry project We were able to understand the underlying mechanisms that allow Chiton to blend flexibility and protection in a highly efficient manner. The answer is that under heavy loads the scales are pushed together and stiffened. Conversely, when the pressure is removed, the scales regain their mobility. Thus, computer modeling has allowed researchers to find the sweet spot of resistance.
Different flexibility and protection levels
Thanks to this variable flexibility and strength, the team established a manufacturing principle for bio-inspired armor that offers different levels of protection to each body part. Therefore, the elements that cover the joints will be more flexible than those that protect the chest and back.this biomimetic based The research project, published in the scientific journal Nature Communications, took several years to come to a conclusion, but laid the groundwork for developing a new kind of bio-armor.According to researchers in this technology project, the key was to start with a detailed study of the chiton shell. The next step is the development of a new generation of armor that will be exposed to different stress levels.
For more information Technologies inspired by plants and animalscheck out this article Bio-inspired, energy-efficient system.
sauce: Virginia Tech
