According to the China National Defense Science and Technology Information Network, the U.S. Department of Defense has allocated $7.5 million to a U.S. university for research on a novel carbon fiber-epoxy resin composite material inspired by the layered spiral structure found in the inner skin of prawn pincers. This innovative material holds great potential for use in aircraft, automobiles, structural frames, body armor, and even sports equipment like football helmets.
A research team from the California Institute of Technology discovered that prawn pincers are not only lightweight but also incredibly strong, capable of shattering mollusk shells and crab exoskeletons. Their underwater acceleration surpasses that of 0.22-inch diameter bullets. The team analyzed the complex structure of the pincers, which consists of three distinct parts, each harder than many engineering ceramics. Notably, the inner layer is a spiral mineralized fiber that functions as a shock absorber, enhancing the overall durability.
The newly developed carbon fiber-epoxy composite mimics this spiral structure. Through experiments and simulations, the researchers found that the spiral design effectively reduces damage propagation when the material is impacted, significantly increasing its toughness. The new structure arranges spiral layers at angles ranging from 10 to 25 degrees, offering a unique mechanical advantage over traditional designs. In comparison, control structures used in current aerospace composites feature unidirectional or quasi-isotropic layers with 90-degree rotations.
To evaluate the performance of different structures, the team conducted drop-weight impact tests, similar to those used in the aerospace industry. The results showed that the spiral structure experienced 20% to 50% less dent damage compared to conventional quasi-isotropic materials. Additionally, fiber splitting, external damage, and puncture were all reduced. Using ultrasound, they observed catastrophic internal fractures in standard samples, while the spiral structure exhibited damage only in lateral extensions, indicating better energy absorption.
In compression tests, the spiral structure retained about 15% to 25% more strength after fracturing, showcasing superior resilience. The team employed finite element modeling to analyze failure modes and optimize the design. These findings suggest that spiral-patterned carbon composites could revolutionize applications in aerospace, automotive, defense, and sports equipment. The study was funded by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the National Science Foundation, with continued support from the Department of Defense. (Hu Yanping)
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