E-Thesis 567 views 339 downloads
Bioinspired Investigation via X-Ray Microtomography / Laura E. North
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DOI (Published version): 10.23889/Suthesis.43706
Abstract
Biological materials and systems are increasingly studied to provide inspiration, throughthe correlation of structure and function, for the design of materials in areas such astechnology, engineering and medicine. X-ray microtomography allows three dimensionaland non-destructive visualisation of bot...
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2018
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Doctoral |
| Degree name: | Ph.D |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa43706 |
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| Abstract: |
Biological materials and systems are increasingly studied to provide inspiration, throughthe correlation of structure and function, for the design of materials in areas such astechnology, engineering and medicine. X-ray microtomography allows three dimensionaland non-destructive visualisation of both internal and external structures. It is the primarymethod used in this study to identify and investigate these natural structures and theirfunctions. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis is performed on the resulting 3D volumetricdata. Further insight is achieved by incorporating complementary methods includinghigh-resolution electron microscopy, nanoindentation and additive layer manufacturing tocharacterise the structures at varying length scales in terms of their structural, chemicaland mechanical properties. Two detailed case studies are given: the vertebrae of the heroshrew (Scutisorex somereni); and the cuttlebone of Sepia officinalis.Hero shrew vertebrae are analysed for the first time using X-ray microtomography. Largevariations in vertebrae volume, surface area and pillar count are shown across samples.Additive layer manufacturing is used to test a simple method for understanding flexibilityacross the vertebrae. The results show limitations of movement in certain directions, givingpotential inspiration for applications in robotics and flexible shafts.The diversity of internal architecture of the cuttlebone is captured for the first time inthree dimensions, highlighting substantial variation in the morphology of pillars. New frameworksare established for pillar morphology across the cuttlebone. These provide a greaterunderstanding to the relationship between pillar morphology and fluid interaction with thestructures of the cuttlebone. Mechanical analysis via time-lapse compression testing showsa progressive collapse mechanism of the chambers. The morphology and properties investigatedcan provide inspiration for improved design of cellular structures, energy absorptionand protection, and potentially for the design of a sophisticated buoyancy device. |
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| Item Description: |
A selection of third party content is redacted or is partially redacted from this thesis. |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |