Investigation of Energy-Absorbing Properties of a Bio-Inspired Structure

Numerous engineering applications require lightweight structures with excellent absorption capacity. The problem of obtaining such may be solved by nature and especially biological properties. paper concerns an attempt to develop a new energy-absorbing material using biomimetic approach. structure investigated here is mimicking geometry diatom shells, which are known optimized in terms the resistance mechanical loading. frustule diatoms, retaining similarity natural shell, were 3D printed subjected compression tests. As required, bio-inspired deformed continuously increase deformation force. Finite element analysis (FEA) was carried out gain insight into mechanism damage samples diatoms shells. experimental results showed good agreement numerical results. discussed context further investigations need conducted as well possible energy absorbing structures.