Design and fabrication of artificial brain coral: Evolution principle, turbulent hydrodynamics and matter interchange. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lin, Sen; Chou, Nengzhuo; Bao, Dingwen; Zhang, Genbao; Xiong, Chengwang; Fang, Jie; Xie, Yi Min
• Is Part Of: Computers & structures. Volume 276(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: Brain corals -- Topological optimization -- Turbulent hydrodynamics -- Matter interchange; Structural engineering -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Electronic data processing -- Structures, Theory of -- Periodicals; 624.171
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruc.2022.106955
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-7949

Abstract

Highlights: Artificial corals were designed by minimizing resistance to matter interchange. External morphology of the coral was simulated with an iterative design domain. The function of folds was revealed for providing coverage and obtaining nutrients. Prototypes of poriferous designs were made from biologically compatible materials. Abstract: This paper presents a study of the morphogenesis of brain corals based on an experimental investigation and a topological optimization method. The resistance to matter interchange was employed to allocate the optimal space for the growth of polyp colonies from the perspective of topological optimization, where the optimized structures are those of natural brain corals. Computational fluid dynamics simulations revealed that these complicated structures can provide shelter to protect polyps from ocean currents. A reverse mold was prepared from silica gel and used to cast models from mixtures of cement and calcium carbonate, where the mixture ratio was determined based on compressive strength and biocompatibility. Based on an acid corrosion experiment, the matter interchange capability was verified. This study also proved that the many folds in the structure of brain corals contribute to the circulation of seawater, thus maintaining the concentration of nutrients and hindering the deposition of harmful substances. This paper establishes an innovative methodology for the creation of artificial brain corals, which is important for environmental restoration.