Biomimetic design of lightweight vehicle structures based on animal bone properties

Yan Rui, Aleksandar Subic, Monir Takla, Chun H. Wang, Anja Niehoff, Nina Hamann, Gert Peter Brueggemann

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive biomimetic design approach to developing novel load bearing lightweight vehicle structures inspired by the structural properties of animal bones. Lightweight vehicle structures developed in this way would have increased stiffness at significantly reduced weight. In this research, trabecular (cancellous) bone was analyzed at the metaphyses of four different species including rat, rabbit, chicken, and sheep. Three-dimensional models of bone structures were reconstructed from micro-CT scanned images using the computer aided design software Mimics. Force resistance and energy absorption properties of relevant bone structures subjected to quasi-static compression loads were investigated and analysed using the Finite Element (FE) method. Based on the obtained results, the paper discusses the effects of load directions, bone structure allocation and model thickness on the energy absorption and force resistance of the bone structures. The simulation results obtained in this research were compared to the results of conventional vehicle side intrusion bars.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3-14
Number of pages12
JournalAdvanced Materials Research
Volume633
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2013

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