Microstructure provides insights into evolutionary design and resilience of Coscinodiscus sp. frustule
Abstract
Diatoms are unicellular algae that form an intricate silica cell wall. A protective shell that is light enough to prevent sinking while simultaneously offering strength against predators is of interest to the design of lightweight structural materials. Using three-point bending experiments, we show that the diatom shell has the highest specific strength of all previously reported biological materials. Fracture analysis and finite element simulations also suggest functional differentiation between the shell layers and features to mitigate fracture. These results demonstrate the natural development of architecture in live organisms to simultaneously achieve light weight, strength, and structural integrity and may provide insight into evolutionary design.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Feb 08, 2016
- Source ID
- 10.1073/pnas.1519790113
Entities
People
- Christian Thaulow
- Julia R. Greer
- Shi Luo
- Stephanie N. Reynolds
- Zachary H. Aitken
Organizations
- Army Research Office
- California Institute of Technology
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology