(Press-News.org) Contact information: Joan Robinson
joan.robinson@springer.com
49-622-148-78130
Springer
Citrus fruit inspires a new energy-absorbing metal structure
Researchers use a naturally occurring structure to design aluminum materials
It has been said that nature provides us with everything that we need. A new study appearing in Springer's Journal of Materials Science may lend credence to that claim. Researchers from the Foundry Institute of the RWTH Aachen University in Germany, and Plant Biomechanics Group of the University of Freiburg, Germany, have developed an aluminum hybrid that could be used to optimize technical components and safety materials. And the inspiration came from an unexpected source – the peel of the pomelo fruit (Citrus maxima).
Pomelo fruits have a mass of one to two kilograms, but are able to withstand impact forces resulting from falls of over 10 meters. The fruit's impact resistance is mainly due to the hierarchical structuring of the peel, which is made up of a graded, fiber-reinforced foam. The new aluminum hybrid is the product of a bio-inspired approach, combining metals with different mechanical properties that reflect these naturally occurring structures and mimic the strength of the pomelo peel.
To make use of the pomelo's ability to absorb impact energy, the "block mold casting" process was modified, and the pomelo foam's strut composition was transferred to a metal hybrid. This hybrid consists of highly ductile pure aluminum in the center and a high strength aluminum-silicon alloy in the outer shell.
The composite exhibits a much higher tensile strength (the force needed to break something apart) than pure aluminum, and a much higher ductility (the ability to withstand permanent changes in shape) than the aluminum-silicon alloy. This new combination of materials exhibits a novel behavior under load, and the authors suggest safety materials as the best and most obvious use for the new bio-inspired composite material they've created.
"The demands of designers and consumers on forthcoming components will be increased in the future," said Sebastian F. Fischer of RWTH Aachen University, lead author of the study. "The main reason for this is the need for energy-saving, light-weight products, especially in the automotive industry. These challenges can be met by enhanced material properties or composites. And while the development of new materials is increasingly difficult, the joining of different materials with different properties holds a lot of promise."
###
Reference:
Fischer, S.F. et al (2013). Production and properties of a precision-cast bio-inspired composite. Journal of Materials Science. DOI 10.1007/s10853-013-7878-4
The full-text article is available to journalists on request.
Citrus fruit inspires a new energy-absorbing metal structure
Researchers use a naturally occurring structure to design aluminum materials
2013-12-03
ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:
Researchers turn current sound-localization theories 'on their ear'
2013-12-03
Researchers turn current sound-localization theories 'on their ear'
Mass. Eye and Ear scientists challenge the two dominant theories of how people localize sounds
BOSTON (Dec. 3, 2013) – The ability to localize the source of sound is important for navigating ...
New thermoelectronic generator
2013-12-03
New thermoelectronic generator
Highly efficient new design, described in 'Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy,' converts heat and solar energy into electricity
WASHINGTON D.C. Dec. 3, 2013 -- Through a process known as thermionic conversion, heat ...
UK review examines gender differences in COPD patients
2013-12-03
UK review examines gender differences in COPD patients
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 3, 2013) — A new study review authored by the University of Kentucky's Dr. David Mannino examines the gender differences in the prevalence, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation of ...
Unlikely collaboration leads to discovery of 'gender-bending' plant
2013-12-03
Unlikely collaboration leads to discovery of 'gender-bending' plant
Bucknell professor Chris Martine never expected to be working with his mentor on identifying a new wild eggplant in Australia, especially since Martine's former colleague passed away years ago
Bucknell ...
Neurofeedback tunes key brain networks, improving subjective well-being in PTSD
2013-12-03
Neurofeedback tunes key brain networks, improving subjective well-being in PTSD
Pioneering research conducted at Western University (London, Canada) points to a promising avenue for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): utilising neurofeedback ...
Majority of Americans believe another government shutdown likely in coming months
2013-12-03
Majority of Americans believe another government shutdown likely in coming months
Last government shutdown harmful to medical research
ALEXANDRIA, Va.—December 3, 2013—Nearly two-thirds (65%) of Americans say it's likely there will be another government shutdown ...
Manufacturing a new gut to treat GI diseases
2013-12-03
Manufacturing a new gut to treat GI diseases
Researchers develop way to grow and control maturation of intestinal stem cells, findings pave new ways to treat gastrointestinal disorders
Boston, MA – For those living with gastrointestinal ...
Do sports concussions really cause chronic traumatic encephalopathy?
2013-12-03
Do sports concussions really cause chronic traumatic encephalopathy?
Study finds little evidence to support link
MAYWOOD, Ill. – It's been widely reported that football and other contact sports increase the risk of a debilitating neurological condition called ...
Obesity, smoking increase risk after immediate breast reconstruction with implants
2013-12-03
Obesity, smoking increase risk after immediate breast reconstruction with implants
New risk-scoring tool allows surgeons to better counsel and potentially change an operative plan for women at higher risk for implant failure after mastectomy, Journal of the ...
NASA sees thirty-third tropical depression form in Northwestern Pacific
2013-12-03
NASA sees thirty-third tropical depression form in Northwestern Pacific
The Northwestern Pacific Ocean tropical cyclone season continues with the formation of the thirty-third tropical depression today, December 3, 2013.Two NASA satellites provided a look at the ...
LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES:
Black women hospitalised in USA with blood infection resistant to last-resort antibiotic at increased risk of death
NEC Society Statement on the Watson vs. Mead Johnson Verdict
Lemur’s lament: When one vulnerable species stalks another
Surf clams off the coast of Virginia reappear – and rebound
Studying optimization for neuromorphic imaging and digital twins
ORNL researchers win Best Paper award for nickel-based alloy tailoring
New beta-decay measurements in mirror nuclei pin down the weak nuclear force
Study uncovers neural mechanisms underlying foraging behavior in freely moving animals
Gene therapy is halting cancer. Can it work against brain tumors?
New copper-catalyzed C-H activation strategy from Scripps Research
New compound from blessed thistle promotes functional nerve regeneration
Auburn’s McCrary Institute, ORNL to partner on first regional cybersecurity center to protect the nation’s electricity grid
New UNC-Chapel Hill study examines the increased adoption of they/them pronouns
Groundbreaking study reveals potential diagnostic marker for multiple sclerosis years before symptom onset
Annals of Internal Medicine presents breaking scientific news at ACP’s Internal Medicine Meeting 2024
Scientists discover new way to extract cosmological information from galaxy surveys
Shoe technology reduces risk of diabetic foot ulcers
URI-led team finds direct evidence of ‘itinerant breeding’ in East Coast shorebird species
Wayne State researcher aims to improve coding peer review practices
Researchers develop a new way to safely boost immune cells to fight cancer
Compact quantum light processing
Toxic chemicals from microplastics can be absorbed through skin
New research defines specific genomic changes associated with the transmissibility of the monkeypox virus
Registration of biological pest control products exceeds that of agrochemicals in Brazil
How reflecting on gratitude received from family can make you a better leader
Wearable technology assesses surgeons’ posture during surgery
AATS and CRF® partner on New York Valves: The structural heart summit
Postpartum breast cancer and survival in women with germline BRCA pathogenic variants
Self-administered acupressure for probable knee osteoarthritis in middle-aged and older adults
2024 Communicator Award goes to “Cyber and the City” research team based in Tübingen
[Press-News.org] Citrus fruit inspires a new energy-absorbing metal structureResearchers use a naturally occurring structure to design aluminum materials