The Function of Horn Ridges for Impact Damping

Abstract

This study investigates the role of ridges of ram horns with regard to damping of mechanical impacts arising from ramming. We measured ram horn ridges from eight specimens of six different species and analyzed the ridges’ pitch distributions. Also, using finite element analysis, a ridged horn model was compared with a non-ridged horn model. The results demonstrate three functions of ram horn ridges; 1) transferring longitudinal waves to shear waves, 2) filtering out shear waves, and 3) stabilizing structures by reducing excessive strain.