Development of bioinspired structure with damping properties: concepts, tools and applications

Abstract

The development of new materials is fundamental to the evolution of engineering, architecture, and design. This is because new materials can offer significant benefits over traditional materials with respect to their structural, physical, and chemical properties. In architecture and design, new materials can be used to create more durable, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing products that are lighter and stronger. Through biomimetics, this study analyzed 4 tropical fruit structures - orange, passion fruit, cocoa and pomegranate - to generate a new structure with damping and energy dissipation properties with the aid of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) and three-dimensional computerized reconstruction. As a result a bio-inspired structure was developed based on the cell wall arrangements found in the mesocarp (albedo) of the orange - Citrus sinensis. Through this developed structure it was possible to make computational tests and its prototyping in resin through digital fabrication. Thus, the development of bio-inspired materials for better impact absorption and damping is important because it can help improve the safety and effectiveness of a wide variety of products, from sports equipment to medical equipment, in addition to contributing to sustainability and energy efficiency, points of great interest for various areas of knowledge and contribution to the exploration of new materials.