Bio-Inspired Sutures: Using Finite Element Analysis to Parameterize the Mechanical Response of Dovetail Sutures in Simulated Bending of a Curved Structure
Many animals have protective anatomical structures that allow for growth and flexibility; these structures contain thin seams called sutures that help the structure to absorb impacts. In this study, we parameterized the stiffness and toughness of a curved archway structure based on three geometric p...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2022-06-01
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| Series: | Biomimetics |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/7/2/82 |
| _version_ | 1797489598534778880 |
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| author | Melissa M. Gibbons Diana A. Chen |
| author_facet | Melissa M. Gibbons Diana A. Chen |
| author_sort | Melissa M. Gibbons |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Many animals have protective anatomical structures that allow for growth and flexibility; these structures contain thin seams called sutures that help the structure to absorb impacts. In this study, we parameterized the stiffness and toughness of a curved archway structure based on three geometric properties of a suture through finite element, quasi-static, three-point bending simulations. Each archway consisted of two symmetric pieces linked by a dovetail suture tab design. The three parameters included suture tab radii (1–5 mm), tangent lengths (0–20 mm), and contact angles (0–40°). In the simulations, a steel indenter was displaced 6.5 mm to induce progressive tab disengagement. Sutures with large contact angles and large tangent lengths generally led to stiffer and tougher structures. Sutures with a small tab radius exhibited the most sensitivity to the input parameters, and the smallest tab radius led to the stiffest and toughest archways. Results suggested that it was a combination of the largest number of tab repeats with the largest possible contact surface area that improved the mechanical response of the archway. The study revealed several suture geometries that hold significant promise, which can aid in the development of hemispherical 3D structures for dynamic impact applications. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T00:18:56Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-628def4c30fe42f4ae28e99675268bb1 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2313-7673 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T00:18:56Z |
| publishDate | 2022-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Biomimetics |
| spelling | doaj.art-628def4c30fe42f4ae28e99675268bb12023-11-23T15:46:02ZengMDPI AGBiomimetics2313-76732022-06-01728210.3390/biomimetics7020082Bio-Inspired Sutures: Using Finite Element Analysis to Parameterize the Mechanical Response of Dovetail Sutures in Simulated Bending of a Curved StructureMelissa M. Gibbons0Diana A. Chen1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA 92110, USADepartment of Integrated Engineering, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA 92110, USAMany animals have protective anatomical structures that allow for growth and flexibility; these structures contain thin seams called sutures that help the structure to absorb impacts. In this study, we parameterized the stiffness and toughness of a curved archway structure based on three geometric properties of a suture through finite element, quasi-static, three-point bending simulations. Each archway consisted of two symmetric pieces linked by a dovetail suture tab design. The three parameters included suture tab radii (1–5 mm), tangent lengths (0–20 mm), and contact angles (0–40°). In the simulations, a steel indenter was displaced 6.5 mm to induce progressive tab disengagement. Sutures with large contact angles and large tangent lengths generally led to stiffer and tougher structures. Sutures with a small tab radius exhibited the most sensitivity to the input parameters, and the smallest tab radius led to the stiffest and toughest archways. Results suggested that it was a combination of the largest number of tab repeats with the largest possible contact surface area that improved the mechanical response of the archway. The study revealed several suture geometries that hold significant promise, which can aid in the development of hemispherical 3D structures for dynamic impact applications.https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/7/2/82bio-inspiredsuturemechanical propertiesparameterizationfinite element modelcurved structure |
| spellingShingle | Melissa M. Gibbons Diana A. Chen Bio-Inspired Sutures: Using Finite Element Analysis to Parameterize the Mechanical Response of Dovetail Sutures in Simulated Bending of a Curved Structure Biomimetics bio-inspired suture mechanical properties parameterization finite element model curved structure |
| title | Bio-Inspired Sutures: Using Finite Element Analysis to Parameterize the Mechanical Response of Dovetail Sutures in Simulated Bending of a Curved Structure |
| title_full | Bio-Inspired Sutures: Using Finite Element Analysis to Parameterize the Mechanical Response of Dovetail Sutures in Simulated Bending of a Curved Structure |
| title_fullStr | Bio-Inspired Sutures: Using Finite Element Analysis to Parameterize the Mechanical Response of Dovetail Sutures in Simulated Bending of a Curved Structure |
| title_full_unstemmed | Bio-Inspired Sutures: Using Finite Element Analysis to Parameterize the Mechanical Response of Dovetail Sutures in Simulated Bending of a Curved Structure |
| title_short | Bio-Inspired Sutures: Using Finite Element Analysis to Parameterize the Mechanical Response of Dovetail Sutures in Simulated Bending of a Curved Structure |
| title_sort | bio inspired sutures using finite element analysis to parameterize the mechanical response of dovetail sutures in simulated bending of a curved structure |
| topic | bio-inspired suture mechanical properties parameterization finite element model curved structure |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/7/2/82 |
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