Exploring a meta-biomimetic design strategy: experimental mechanical hybridization of conch and lobster claw structures

Abstract

Inspired by the exceptional damage tolerance of natural composite materials, this study develops an innovative hybrid biomimetic design strategy. This strategy strategically integrates the hierarchical crossed-lamellar structure of conch shells with the distinctive Bouligand structure of lobster exoskeletons. Specifically, the middle layer of the crossed-lamellar structure of conch shells is preserved, while the inner and outer layers are replaced by a continuous fiber structure. Carbon fiber prepregs were utilized to fabricate this hybrid structure precisely. Short-beam shear tests were conducted to characterize key mechanical properties, including interlaminar shear strength, stiffness, damage dissipation energy, failure strain, and strength retention rate. By leveraging synergistic toughening mechanisms (microcrack initiation and plastic deformation), this hybrid structure achieves a significant enhancement in both toughness and protective performance, while maintaining a relatively high load-bearing capacity. This study establishes a novel paradigm for the design of advanced composite materials and demonstrates the substantial potential of hybrid multiple biomimetic microstructures to achieve customizable mechanical properties and controlled damage management.