On optimal hierarchy of load-bearing biological materials

Page view(s)
15
Checked on Jan 30, 2025
On optimal hierarchy of load-bearing biological materials
Title:
On optimal hierarchy of load-bearing biological materials
Journal Title:
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
Keywords:
Publication Date:
01 September 2010
Citation:
Zhang, Z., Zhang, Y.-W. & Gao, H. On optimal hierarchy of load-bearing biological materials. Proceedings of the Royal Society B 278, 519–525 (2011).
Abstract:
Load-bearing biological materials such as shell, mineralized tendon and bone exhibit two to seven levels of structural hierarchy based on constituent materials (biominerals and proteins) of relatively poor mechanical properties. A key question that remains unanswered is what determines the number of hierarchical levels in these materials. Here we develop a quasi-self-similar hierarchical model to show that, depending on the mineral content, there exists an optimal level of structural hierarchy for maximal toughness of biocomposites. The predicted optimal levels of hierarchy and cooperative deformation across multiple structural levels are in excellent agreement with experimental observations.
License type:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Funding Info:
Description:
ISSN:
0962-8452
Files uploaded:
File Size Format Action
There are no attached files.