Biomimicking of Natural Tubular Structures

自然管状结构的仿生L.J.Gibson摘要在自然界中，小直径的圆柱形管状结构广泛存在(如动物刺状物、植物茎)。几乎所有的都有一个薄密的外壳，由蜂窝状或泡沫状的核心支撑，类似于薄壁工程管状结构(如飞机机身)中的加强筋。在这种管状结构中，弹性芯支撑外壳，增加其抗屈曲能力。这项研究的总体目标是通过模拟自然管状结构的微观结构来改进小型工程管状结构的设计。该项目的智力优势在于使用蜂窝或泡沫芯材料，而不是单独的加强筋，以改进小型圆柱管的设计。拟议活动产生的更广泛影响包括通过捐赠给波士顿自然中心和科学博物馆的关于仿生的教育性展示，以及通过在阿诺德植物园的公开讲座，向波士顿公立学校和普通公众进行宣传。用于飞机结构、机器人手臂、运动器材和汽车能量吸收装置的轻质管状部件也有商业开发的潜力。

Biomimicking of Natural Tubular StructuresL.J. GibsonAbstractIn nature, small diameter, cylindrical tubular structures are widespread (e.g. animal quills, plant stems). Almost all have a thin, dense outer shell supported by a honeycomb-like or foam-like core, analogous to the stiffeners in thin-walled engineering tubular structures (e.g. aircraft fuselages). In such tubular structures, the elastic core supports the outer shell, increasing its buckling resistance. The overall goal of this study is to improve the design of small-scale engineering tubular structures by mimicking the microstructure of natural tubular structures. The intellectual merit of the project is in the use of a honeycomb or foam core material, rather than individual stiffeners, to improve the design of small-scale cylindrical tubes. The broader impact resulting from proposed activity includes outreach to Boston public schools and general public, through educational displays on biomimicking donated to the Boston Nature Center and the Museum of Science, and through public lectures at the Arnold Arboretum. There is also potential for commercial development of lightweight tubular components for use in aircraft structures, robot arms, sporting equipment and energy absorption devices in automobiles.