Crack twisting and toughening strategies in Bouligand architectures. (1st October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Suksangpanya, Nobphadon; Yaraghi, Nicholas A.; Pipes, R. Byron; Kisailus, David; Zavattieri, Pablo
• Is Part Of: International journal of solids and structures. Volume 150(2018)
• Page Start: 83
• Page End: 106
• Publication Date: 2018-10-01
• Subjects: Mechanics, Applied -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Elastic solids -- Periodicals; Mécanique appliquée -- Périodiques; Constructions, Théorie des -- Périodiques; Solides élastiques -- Périodiques; Elastic solids; Mechanics, Applied; Structural analysis (Engineering); Periodicals; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2018.06.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7683

Abstract

Highlights: Our experiments indicate that cracks twist following the Bouligand architecture of fibers. We carry out experiments with glass fiber reinforced and 3D printing helicoidal composites. We also carry out FEM analysis and employ elements of LEFM to quantify toughness. Our analysis indicate that crack twisting delays competing failure mechanisms. Such delay of catastrophic failure leads to improved toughness. Abstract: The Bouligand structure in some arthropods is a hierarchical composite comprised of a helicoidal arrangement of strong fibers in a weak matrix. In this study, we focus on the Bouligand structure present in the dactyl club of the smashing mantis shrimp due to its exceptional capability to withstand repetitive high-energy impact without catastrophic failure. We carry out a combined computational and experimental approach to investigate the high damage resistance of the Bouligand structure through a biomimetic composite material. This is studied by performing specific fracture experiments on the helicoidal composites specimens, where it was found that crack twisting, driven by the fiber architecture, is the main fracture mechanisms. This crack twisting mechanism competes with other alternative mechanisms such as crack branching and delamination, delaying catastrophic failure. The main mechanism of crack twisting is studied through specifically designed specimens in which the crack propagation path is controlled. Further quantification of the toughening mechanisms and crack growth rate is analyzed with analytical and finite element models. The biomimetic helicoidal composites are shown to have improved fracture resistance as the crack twists mainly driven by the increase in crack surface area and fracture mode mixity. Our analysis allowed us to study the effect of crack front shape, stress distribution and energy dissipation mechanisms. Graphical abstract: Image, graphical abstract