Bioinspired Lightweight Structural Vehicle Design Through Advanced Correlative Microscopy.
Lead Research Organisation:
Swansea University
Department Name: College of Engineering
Abstract
There is huge potential to use natural materials and architectures for engineering design, yet these may be relatively enigmatic, or undiscovered. This project will use X-ray microCT/microscopy as a 'prospecting' tool with museum collections to develop bioinspired lightweight structures for the aerospace, automotive, design, and other advanced manufacturing sectors, investigating the nano/micro structures. The project will consider their form and function, and adapt this for potential engineering applications that benefit society.
There is a rapidly developing area of research, where biological form is used to inspire design strategies for major engineering structures. This has very recently been demonstrated in reverse, where computationally-optimized designs resemble biological structures (Aage, N., Andreassen, E., Lazarov, B. S. & Sigmund, O. Nature http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature23911 (2017)).-
Aims and objectives - To investigate natural architectures, with an understanding of form and function, to derive new engineering designs for lightweight structures.
To test designs experimentally and computationally. - The research methodology, including new knowledge or techniques in engineering and physical sciences that will be investigated
Working within the Advanced Imaging of Materials (AIM) facility and research group, and in collaboration with National Museums Wales, this project will use correlated X-ray microtomography and electron microscopy to investigate biological architectures , in particular mineralised structural biomaterials. Finite element modelling will be used to determine if architectures are able to withstand service-relevant conditions.
- Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas
Manufacturing and materials of the future
The fund will develop new, affordable, light-weight composite materials for aerospace, automotive and other advanced manufacturing sectors.
Any companies or collaborators involved - National Museums Wales - For cross-council funded projects, the subject may overlap the remit of other research councils. It is essential that the research methodology is described.
- The research methodology, including new knowledge or techniques in engineering and physical sciences that will be investigated
Working within the Advanced Imaging of Materials (AIM) facility and research group, and in collaboration with National Museums Wales, this project will use correlated X-ray microtomography and electron microscopy to investigate biological architectures , in particular mineralised structural biomaterials. Finite element modelling will be used to determine if architectures are able to withstand service-relevant conditions.
There is a rapidly developing area of research, where biological form is used to inspire design strategies for major engineering structures. This has very recently been demonstrated in reverse, where computationally-optimized designs resemble biological structures (Aage, N., Andreassen, E., Lazarov, B. S. & Sigmund, O. Nature http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature23911 (2017)).-
Aims and objectives - To investigate natural architectures, with an understanding of form and function, to derive new engineering designs for lightweight structures.
To test designs experimentally and computationally. - The research methodology, including new knowledge or techniques in engineering and physical sciences that will be investigated
Working within the Advanced Imaging of Materials (AIM) facility and research group, and in collaboration with National Museums Wales, this project will use correlated X-ray microtomography and electron microscopy to investigate biological architectures , in particular mineralised structural biomaterials. Finite element modelling will be used to determine if architectures are able to withstand service-relevant conditions.
- Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas
Manufacturing and materials of the future
The fund will develop new, affordable, light-weight composite materials for aerospace, automotive and other advanced manufacturing sectors.
Any companies or collaborators involved - National Museums Wales - For cross-council funded projects, the subject may overlap the remit of other research councils. It is essential that the research methodology is described.
- The research methodology, including new knowledge or techniques in engineering and physical sciences that will be investigated
Working within the Advanced Imaging of Materials (AIM) facility and research group, and in collaboration with National Museums Wales, this project will use correlated X-ray microtomography and electron microscopy to investigate biological architectures , in particular mineralised structural biomaterials. Finite element modelling will be used to determine if architectures are able to withstand service-relevant conditions.
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509553/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/06/2022 | |||
| 2025214 | Studentship | EP/N509553/1 | 01/01/2018 | 31/12/2021 | Nicola Thomas |
| Description | The great white pelican lower mandible being both lightweight and having great strength, was investigated as a potential source for bioinspired lightweight structural design as a means of lightweighting vehicle and aerospace components to help reduced greenhouse gas emissions. X-ray micro-computed tomography was used to investigate the internal structures of the mandible. The resulting CT scan data was analysed using 3D visualisation software and revealed a partially hollow tube, with struts supporting the outer walls. The struts appeared to have a particular orientation and a repetitive pattern. Finite Element Analysis (computational analysis) was used to analyse the structures for strength by applying bending, torsional, and compressive loads. The results showed that the mandible was stiffer and stronger in the dorso-ventral (up and down) direction which would prevent the mandible from breaking when scooping prey in the pelican's highly extensible pouch. Sections of the lower mandible nearer to the skull were found to be stronger and stiffer than sections further along the length. A simplified bioinspired Finite Element model was constructed based upon one of the stronger sections. The simplified model was subjected to buckling loads to test the buckle resistance with and without the struts, and with the struts in various arrangements. The arrangement of the struts were found to support the outer wall of the mandible when undergoing buckling loads. Tubular beams are regularly incorporated into engineered structures, and the internal structural design of the pelican lower mandible has the potential to inform and inspire the design of lightweight components for use in vehicles and aerospace. |
| Exploitation Route | The internal architecture and structural design of the pelican mandible could be used to design lightweight components for use in vehicles and aerospace. |
| Sectors | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Construction,Environment,Transport |