Mechanical performance and optimization strategies of mantis shrimp rod inspired beam structural composites

Inspired by the internal spiral structure of the mantis shrimp claw rod, a new type of beam-shaped composite materials with spiral-layered arrangement were designed, and the corresponding strengthening and toughening mechanisms with different spiral arrangement modes were explored. It is found that, unlike the existing shells or plates with spiral structures, a smaller spiral angle is of great significance to coordinate the contradiction between strength and toughness of beam materials. As the angle changes (small spiral angle), the full-field distribution of each stress component will undergo significant changes, leading to a transformation of the key stress components that dominate the damage and failure behavior. By adjusting the spiral angle, certain normal stress components inside can be reduced to improve the strength, and certain shear stress components can be increased to improve the toughness. These results will provide optimization strategies for the mechanical design of beam.

Graphical abstract

The beam with an internal structure of spiral laminated fiber has been designed. Its strength and toughness can be regulated and optimized by the stress distribution and the deformations and failure behavior controlled by the spiral angle.