According to the China National Defense Science and Technology Information Network, the U.S. Department of Defense has allocated $7.5 million to a university research project aimed at developing a novel carbon fiber-epoxy resin composite material inspired by the layered spiral structure found in the inner skin of prawn claws. This innovative material is expected to be used in various applications, including aircraft and automotive frames, body armor, and sports equipment like football helmets.
Researchers at the California Institute of Technology discovered that prawn claws are remarkably strong and lightweight, capable of breaking through mollusk shells and crab exoskeletons. Their underwater acceleration even surpasses that of 0.22-inch diameter bullets. The team found that the claws consist of three highly complex components, each contributing to their exceptional strength. These parts are harder than many engineering ceramics, with the inner skin region forming a spiral mineralized fiber layer that functions as a shock absorber.
The new carbon fiber-epoxy resin composite mimics this spiral structure. Through experiments and simulations, the researchers determined that the spiral design helps reduce damage propagation through the thickness of the composite when subjected to impact, significantly increasing its toughness. The composite features spiral layers arranged at angles ranging from 10 to 25 degrees, offering a more advanced configuration compared to traditional unidirectional or quasi-isotropic structures used in aerospace materials.
To evaluate the performance of different designs, the team conducted drop-weight impact tests similar to those used in the aerospace industry. They assessed dent damage, external visual damage, and internal fractures. Results showed that the new spiral structure reduced dent loss by 20% to 50% compared to conventional quasi-isotropic structures. It also minimized fiber splitting and major external damage, while ultrasound testing revealed that catastrophic internal fractures were largely avoided in the new design.
In compression tests, the spiral structure retained about 15% to 25% more strength after fracturing compared to traditional materials. Using finite element modeling, the researchers analyzed failure modes and refined the design further. This bio-inspired composite has promising applications in aerospace, automotive, defense, and sports industries. The study was supported by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the National Science Foundation, with continued funding from the Department of Defense. (Hu Yanping)
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