Design and additive manufacturing of bionic hybrid structure inspired by cuttlebone to achieve superior mechanical properties and shape memory function

Lightweight porous materials with high load-bearing,damage tolerance and energy absorption(EA)as well as intelligence of shape recovery after material deformation are beneficial and critical for many applications,e.g.aerospace,automobiles,electronics,etc.Cuttlebone produced in the cuttlefish has evolved vertical walls with the optimal corrugation gradient,enabling stress homogenization,significant load bearing,and damage tolerance to protect the organism from high external pressures in the deep sea.This work illustrated that the complex hybrid wave shape in cuttlebone walls,becoming more tortuous from bottom to top,creates a lightweight,load-bearing structure with progressive failure.By mimicking the cuttlebone,a novel bionic hybrid structure(BHS)was proposed,and as a comparison,a regular corrugated structure and a straight wall structure were designed.Three types of designed structures have been successfully manufactured by laser powder bed fusion(LPBF)with NiTi powder.The LPBF-processed BHS exhibited a total porosity of 0.042% and a good dimensional accuracy with a peak deviation of 17.4μm.Microstructural analysis indicated that the LPBF-processed BHS had a strong(001)crystallographic orientation and an average size of 9.85μm.Mechanical analysis revealed the LPBF-processed BHS could withstand over 25000 times its weight without significant deformation and had the highest specific EA value(5.32 J·g^(−1))due to the absence of stress concentration and progressive wall failure during compression.Cyclic compression testing showed that LPBF-processed BHS possessed superior viscoelastic and elasticity energy dissipation capacity.Importantly,the uniform reversible phase transition from martensite to austenite in the walls enables the structure to largely recover its pre-deformation shape when heated(over 99% recovery rate).These design strategies can serve as valuable references for the development of intelligent components that possess high mechanical efficiency and shape memory capabilities.

The Fundamental Theory of Artificial Intelligence—Logic Structure and Logic Engineering

The research purpose of this dissertation is threefold: to innovate artificial intelligence methods, to create the intersection of artificial intelligence and biological research, and to innovate human methodology. The work I have done in my research includes: improving logical structure and logical engineering, using my theory to study the innovation of the development path of artificial intelligence, using my theory to create biomimetic logic, a new intersection of artificial intelligence and biological research, and exploring the innovation of human methodology through the previous two works. The results of the research are as follows: 1) Introduction to bionic logic, incorporating simulations of people, society, and life as core principles. 2) Definition of the logical structure as the primary focus of research, with logic mechanics serving as foundational research principles. 3) Examination of the logical structure’s environment through logical fields and networks. 4) Study of logical structure communication via logical networks and main lines. 5) Proposal of data logic. 6) Investigation into the logic of logical structures, employing structural diagrams of logical equations. 7) Development of a theory of life activity within logical structures, encompassing information reasoning, its corresponding control structure, and structural reasoning. 8) Introduction of the lifecycle theory for logical structures and examination of the clock equation. 9) Exploration of logical structure intelligence. 10) Study of logical structures in mathematical forms. 11) Introduction of logic engineering. 12) Examination of artificial intelligence’s significance. 13) Investigation into the significance of human methodology.

A bio-inspired spider-like structure isolator for low-frequency vibration

This paper proposes a quasi-zero stiffness(QZS)isolator composed of a curved beam(as spider foot)and a linear spring(as spider muscle)inspired by the precise capturing ability of spiders in vibrating environments.The curved beam is simplified as an inclined horizontal spring,and a static analysis is carried out to explore the effects of different structural parameters on the stiffness performance of the QZS isolator.The finite element simulation analysis verifies that the QZS isolator can significantly reduce the first-order natural frequency under the load in the QZS region.The harmonic balance method(HBM)is used to explore the effects of the excitation amplitude,damping ratio,and stiffness coefficient on the system’s amplitude-frequency response and transmissibility performance,and the accuracy of the analytical results is verified by the fourth-order Runge-Kutta integral method(RK-4).The experimental data of the QZS isolator prototype are fitted to a ninth-degree polynomial,and the RK-4 can theoretically predict the experimental results.The experimental results show that the QZS isolator has a lower initial isolation frequency and a wider isolation frequency bandwidth than the equivalent linear isolator.The frequency sweep test of prototypes with different harmonic excitation amplitudes shows that the initial isolation frequency of the QZS isolator is 3 Hz,and it can isolate 90%of the excitation signal at 7 Hz.The proposed biomimetic spider-like QZS isolator has high application prospects and can provide a reference for optimizing low-frequency or ultra-low-frequency isolators.

Investigation on the Mechanical Properties and Shape Memory Effect of Landing Buffer Structure Based on NiTi Alloy Printing

With the deepening of human research on deep space exploration,our research on the soft landing methods of landers has gradually deepened.Adding a buffer and energy-absorbing structure to the leg structure of the lander has become an effective design solution.Based on the energy-absorbing structure of the leg of the interstellar lander,this paper studies the appearance characteristics of the predatory feet of the Odontodactylus scyllarus.The predatory feet of the Odontodactylus scyllarus can not only hit the prey highly when preying,but also can easily withstand the huge counter-impact force.The predatory feet structure of the Odontodactylus scyllarus,like a symmetrical cone,shows excellent rigidity and energy absorption capacity.Inspired by this discovery,we used SLM technology to design and manufacture two nickel-titanium samples,which respectively show high elasticity,shape memory,and get better energy absorption capacity.This research provides an effective way to design and manufacture high-mechanical energy-absorbing buffer structures using bionic 3D printing technology and nickel-titanium alloys.

Bionic structure of shark's gill jet orifice based on artificial muscle

Based on the biological prototype characteristics of shark’s gill jet orifice,the flexible driving characteristics of ionic exchange polymer metal composites(IPMC)artificial muscle materials and the use of sleeve flexible connector,the IPMC linear driving unit simulation model is built and the IPMC material-driving dynamic control structure of bionic gill unit is developed.Meanwhile,through the stress analysis of bionic gill plate and the motion simulation of bionic gill unit,it is verified that various dynamic control and active control of the jet orifice under the condition of different mainstream field velocities will be taken by using IPMC material-driving.Moreover,the large-deflection deformation of bionic gill plate under dynamic pressure and the comparative analysis with that of a rigid gill plate is studied,leading to the achievement of approximate revised modifier from real value to theoretical value of the displacement control of IPMC.

Porous structures of natural materials and bionic design

This investigation and morphology analysis of porous structure of some kinds of natural materials such as chicken eggshell, partridge eggshell, pig bone, and seeds of mung bean, soja, ginkgo, lotus seed, as well as the epidermis of apples, with SEM (Scanning Electronic Microscope) showed that natural structures’ pores can be classified into uniform pores, gradient pores and multi pores from the viewpoint of the distribution variation of pore density, size and geometry. Furthermore, an optimal design of porous bearings was for the first time developed based on the gradient configuration of natural materials. The bionic design of porous structures is predicted to be widely developed and applied in the fields of materials and mechanical engineering in the future.

Laser-based bionic manufacturing

Over millions of years of natural evolution,organisms have developed nearly perfect structures and functions.The self-fabrication of organisms serves as a valuable source of inspiration for designing the next-generation of structural materials,and is driving the future paradigm shift of modern materials science and engineering.However,the complex structures and multifunctional integrated optimization of organisms far exceed the capability of artificial design and fabrication technology,and new manufacturing methods are urgently needed to achieve efficient reproduction of biological functions.As one of the most valuable advanced manufacturing technologies of the 21st century,laser processing technology provides an efficient solution to the critical challenges of bionic manufacturing.This review outlines the processing principles,manufacturing strategies,potential applications,challenges,and future development outlook of laser processing in bionic manufacturing domains.Three primary manufacturing strategies for laser-based bionic manufacturing are elucidated:subtractive manufacturing,equivalent manufacturing,and additive manufacturing.The progress and trends in bionic subtractive manufacturing applied to micro/nano structural surfaces,bionic equivalent manufacturing for surface strengthening,and bionic additive manufacturing aiming to achieve bionic spatial structures,are reported.Finally,the key problems faced by laser-based bionic manufacturing,its limitations,and the development trends of its existing technologies are discussed.

Plant Surfaces:Structures and Functions for Biomimetic Innovations

An overview of plant surface structures and their evolution is presented. It combines surface chemistry and architecture with their functions and refers to possible biomimetic applications. Within some 3.5 billion years biological species evolved highly complex multifunctional surfaces for interacting with their environments: some 10 million living prototypes(i.e., estimated number of existing plants and animals) for engineers. The complexity of the hierarchical structures and their functionality in biological organisms surpasses all abiotic natural surfaces: even superhydrophobicity is restricted in nature to living organisms and was probably a key evolutionary step with the invasion of terrestrial habitats some 350–450 million years ago in plants and insects. Special attention should be paid to the fact that global environmental change implies a dramatic loss of species and with it the biological role models. Plants, the dominating group of organisms on our planet, are sessile organisms with large multifunctional surfaces and thus exhibit particular intriguing features.Superhydrophilicity and superhydrophobicity are focal points in this work. We estimate that superhydrophobic plant leaves(e.g., grasses) comprise in total an area of around 250 million km^2, which is about 50% of the total surface of our planet. A survey of structures and functions based on own examinations of almost 20,000 species is provided, for further references we refer to Barthlott et al.(Philos. Trans. R. Soc. A 374: 20160191, 1). A basic difference exists between aquatic nonvascular and land-living vascular plants; the latter exhibit a particular intriguing surface chemistry and architecture. The diversity of features is described in detail according to their hierarchical structural order. The first underlying and essential feature is the polymer cuticle superimposed by epicuticular wax and the curvature of single cells up to complex multicellular structures. A descriptive terminology for this diversity is provided. Simplified, the functions of plant surface characteristics may be grouped into six categories:(1) mechanical properties,(2) influence on reflection and absorption of spectral radiation,(3) reduction of water loss or increase of water uptake, moisture harvesting,(4) adhesion and nonadhesion(lotus effect, insect trapping),(5) drag and turbulence increase, or(6) air retention under water for drag reduction or gas exchange(Salvinia effect). This list is far from complete. A short overview of the history of bionics and the impressive spectrum of existing and anticipated biomimetic applications are provided. The major challenge for engineers and materials scientists, the durability of the fragile nanocoatings, is also discussed.

Lightweight Design and Verification of Gantry Machining Center Crossbeam Based on Structural Bionics

The lightweight and high efficiency of natural structures are the inexhaustible sources for engineering improvements. The goal of the study is to find innovative solutions for mechanical lightweight design through the application of structural bionic approaches. Giant waterlily leaf ribs and cactus stem are investigated for their optimal framework and superior performance. Their structural characteristics are extracted and used in the bio-inspired design of Lin MC6000 gantry machining center crossbeam. By mimicking analogous network structure, the bionic model is established, which has better load-carrying capacity than conventional distribution. Finite Element Method （FEM） is used for numerical simulation. Results show better specific stiffness of the bionic model, which is increased by 17.36%. Finally the scaled models are fabricated by precision casting for static and dynamic tests. The physical experiments are compared to numerical simulation. The results show that the maximum static deformation of the bionic model is reduced by about 16.22%, with 3.31% weight reduction. In addition, the first four natural frequencies are improved obviously. The structural bionic design is a valuable reference for updating conventional mechanical structures with better performance and less material consumption.

Recent Progress of Bionic Hierarchical Structure in the Field of Thermal Insulation Protection

Some living organisms with hierarchical structures in nature have received extensive attention in various fields.The hierarchical structure with multiple pores,a large number of solid-gas interfaces and tortuous conduction paths provide a new direction for the development of thermal insulation materials,making the living creatures under these extreme conditions become the bionic objects of scientific researchers.In this review,the research progress of bionic hierarchical structure in the field of heat insulation is highlighted.Polar bears,cocoons,penguin feathers and wool are typical examples of heat preservation hierarchy in nature to introduce their morphological characteristics.At the same time,the thermal insulation mechanism,fractal model and several preparation methods of bionic hierarchical structures are emphatically discussed.The application of hierarchical structures in various fields,especially in thermal insulation and infrared thermal stealth,is summarised.Finally,the hierarchical structure is prospected.

The Lightweight Design of Low RCS Pylon Based on Structural Bionics

A concept of Specific Structure Efficiency (SSE) was proposed that can be used in the lightweight effect evaluation ofstructures.The main procedures of bionic structure design were introduced systematically.The parameter relationship betweenhollow stem of plant and the minimum weight was deduced in detail.In order to improve SSE of pylons, the structural characteristicsof hollow stem were investigated and extracted.Bionic pylon was designed based on analogous biological structuralcharacteristics.Using finite element method based simulation, the displacements and stresses in the bionic pylon were comparedwith those of the conventional pylon.Results show that the SSE of bionic pylon is improved obviously.Static, dynamic andelectromagnetism tests were carried out on conventional and bionic pylons.The weight, stress, displacement and Radar CrossSection (RCS) of both pylons were measured.Experimental results illustrate that the SSE of bionic pylon is markedly improvedthat specific strength efficiency and specific stiffness efficiency of bionic pylon are increased by 52.9% and 43.6% respectively.The RCS of bionic pylon is reduced significantly.

Bionics and Structural Biology:A Novel Approach for Bio-energy Production

Cellular metabolism is a very complex process. The biochemical pathways are fundamental structures of biology. These pathways possess a number of regeneration steps which facilitate energy shuttling on a massive scale. This facilitates the biochemical pathways to sustain the energy currency of the cells. This concept has been mimicked using electronic circuit components and it has been used to increase the efficiency of bio-energy generation. Six of the carbohydrate biochemical pathways have been chosen in which glycolysis is the principle pathway. All the six pathways are interrelated and coordinated in a complex manner. Mimic circuits have been designed for all the six biochemical pathways. The components of the metabolic pathways such as enzymes, cofactors etc., are substituted by appropriate electronic circuit components. Enzymes are related to the gain of transistors by the bond dissociation energies of enzyme-substrate molecules under consideration. Cofactors and coenzymes are represented by switches and capacitors respectively. Resistors are used for proper orientation of the circuits. The energy obtained from the current methods employed for the decomposition of organic matter is used to trigger the mimic circuits. A similar energy shuttle is observed in the mimic circuits and the percentage rise for each cycle of circuit functioning is found to be 78.90. The theoretical calculations have been made using a sample of domestic waste weighing 1.182 kg. The calculations arrived at finally speak of the efficiency of the novel methodology employed.

Plants as concept generators for biomimetic light-weight structures with variable stiffness and self-repair mechanisms

Plants possess many structural and functional properties that have a high potential to serve as concept generators for the production of biomimetic technical materials and structures. We present data on two features of plants (variable stiffness due to pressure changes in cellular structures and rapid self-repair functions) that may be used as models for biomimetic projects.

Crashworthiness Design and Multi-Objective Optimization for Bio-Inspired Hierarchical Thin-Walled Structures

Thin-walled structures have been used in many fields due to their superior mechanical properties.In this paper,two types of hierarchical multi-cell tubes,inspired by the self-similarity of Pinus sylvestris,are proposed to enhance structural energy absorption performance.The finite element models of the hierarchical structures are established to validate the crashworthiness performance under axial dynamic load.The theoreticalmodel of themean crushing force is also derived based on the simplified super folded element theory.The finite element results demonstrate that the energy absorption characteristics and deformation mode of the bionic hierarchical thin-walled tubes are further improved with the increase of hierarchical sub-structures.It can be also obtained that the energy absorption performance of corner self-similar tubes is better than edge self-similar tubes.Furthermore,multiobjective optimization of the hierarchical tubes is constructed by employing the response surface method and genetic algorithm,and the corresponding Pareto front diagram is obtained.This research provides a new idea for the crashworthiness design of thin-walled structures.

Preparation of Material Surface Structure Similarto Hydrophobic Structure of Lotus Leaf

Nano/micro replication, a technique widely applied in the microelectronics field, was introduced to prepare the hydrophobic bionics microstructure on material surface. Poly（vinyl alcohol） （PVA） and polystyrene （PS） moulds of the mastoid microstructure on lotus leaf surface were prepared respectively by the nano/micro replication technology. And poly（dimethylsiloxane） （PDMS） replicas with the mastoid-like microstructure were prepared from these two kinds of polymer moulds. Scanning electronic microscope （SEM） was employed to investigate the morphology and microstructures on moulds and replicas. Both the static and dynamic contact angles between water droplet and PDMS replicas＇ surface were also measured. As a result, similar microstructure can be observed clearly on the surface of PDMS replicas and the static contact angle on PDMS replicas was enhanced dramatically by the existence of these microstructures.

Laser-induced jigsaw-like graphene structure inspired by Oxalis corniculata Linn.leaf

The laser scribing of polyimide(PI, Kapton) film is a new, simple and effective method for graphene preparation. Moreover,the superhydrophobic surface modification can undoubtedly widen the application fields of graphene. Herein, inspired by the hydrophobic and self-cleaning properties of natural Oxalis corniculata Linn. leaves, we propose a novel bionic manufacturing method for superhydrophobic laser-induced graphene(LIG). By tailoring the geometric parameters(size, roughness and height/area ratio) and chemical composition, the three-dimensional(3D) multistage LIG, i.e., with micro-jigsaw-like and porous structure, can deliver a static water contact angle(WCA) of 153.5° ± 0.6°, a water sliding angle(WSA) of 2.5° ±0.5°, and great superhydrophobic stability lasting for 100 days(WCAs ≈ 150°). This outstanding water repellency is achieved by the secondary structure of jigsaw-like LIG, a porous morphology that traps air layers at the solid–liquid interface. The robust self-cleaning and anti-stick functions of 3D bionic and multistage LIG are demonstrated to confirm its great potential in wearable electronics.

Systematic Method of Applying Structural Characteristics of Natural Organisms to Mechanical Structures

Structural bionic design lacks mature and scientific theories, and the excellent structural characteristics of natural organisms sometimes cannot be transferred into engineering structures effectively. Aiming at overcoming the existing problems, this paper summarizes three related theories: similarity theory, fuzzy evaluation theory and optimization theory. Based on the related theories, a method of structural bionic design is introduced, which includes four steps: selecting the most useful structural characteristic of natural organism; analyzing the structural characteristic finally chosen for engineering problem; completing the structural bionic design for engineering structure; and verifying the structural bionic design. Similarity theory and fuzzy evaluation theory are employed to achieve Step 1. In Step 2 and Step 3, optimization theory is employed to analyze the parameters of structures. Together with the thoughts of simplification and grouping, optimization theory can reveal the relationship between organism structure and engineering structure, providing a way to structural bionic design. A general evaluation criterion is proposed in Step 4, which is feasible to evaluate the performance of different structures. Finally, based on the method, a structural bionic design of thin-walled cylindrical shell is introduced.

Improving the design of reinforcing frames by simulating the arch and peltate venation structures

Based on the analyses on arch and peltate venation structures, the design of reinforcing frames was improved. First, distribution rules of the arch structure were summarized. According to the load condition and the structure of the frame, a mechanical model of arch structure was devel- oped, and two solutions for the model were analyzed and compared with each other. Through the a- nalysis, application rules of arch structure for improving the design were obtained. Then, distribu- tion rules of peltate venation structure were summarized. By using the same method, application rules of peltate venation structure for improving the design were also obtained. Finally, mechanical problem of the frame was described, and rib arrangement of the frame was redesigned. A parameter optimization for the widths of ribs in bionic arrangement was also carried out to accomplish the im- proving design. Comparison between bionic and conventional reinforcing frames shows that the weight is reduced by as much as 15.3%.

Mechanical Simulation of Hierarchical Micro-Nano Structure of Butterfly Wings

The ridge-cross rib microstructures of Carystoides escalantei butterfly wing scales have been reproduced by 2D and 3D models via the ANSYS software,and the structural analyses under tensile and bending deformation,as well as the relative failure analyses are performed for those models.It has been found that the curved model in which the ridges acted as triangular prisms while the cross-ribs acted as bend cuboids could simulate the real scale configuration more accurately.Besides,it also shows much more even stress distribution under deformation and better mechanical properties than the rectangular one,in which both ridges and cross-ribs are modeled as regular cuboids.

仿枪虾虾螯纵向混合负泊松比结构设计与耐撞性研究

为提高汽车安全防护结构耐撞性,以枪虾虾螯(大螯)作为仿生原型,通过生物实验提取虾螯微观结构,设计了24种仿生混合负泊松比吸能结构。以质量比吸能(SEA)、结构平均压溃效率(CFE)、初始峰值载荷(IPF)作为评价结构耐撞性的主要指标,借助经过验证的有限元模型对设计结构仿真模拟,经过结果数据分析确定影响结构耐撞性指标的关键参数a(胞元内凹深度),结合实际工况利用加权组合综合评价方法选出最优耐撞性结构。结果显示,当a=6.80 mm时的BCDA型混合结构耐撞性能最优,优化后SEA=3.21 kJ/kg,IPF=8.58 kN,CFE=31.29%。与单一胞元结构相比,优化后混合模型IPF最高降低35.24%,SEA最高提升35.72%,CFE有所下降,最多降低47.20%。