Structural optimization of 3D-printed synthetic spider webs for high strength
Name
Buehler_Structural optimization.pdf
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2.12 MB
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51587f7c0923a766343b7564726892ed
Author(s)
Qin, Zhao
Compton, Brett G.
Lewis, Jennifer A.
Buehler, Markus J
Date Issued
May 2015
Journal
Nature Communications
Publisher
Nature Publishing Group
Citation
Qin, Zhao, Brett G. Compton, Jennifer A. Lewis, and Markus J. Buehler. “Structural Optimization of 3D-Printed Synthetic Spider Webs for High Strength.” Nature Communications 6 (May 15, 2015): 7038. © 2015 Macmillan Publishers Limited
Version
Final published version
Abstract
Spiders spin intricate webs that serve as sophisticated prey-trapping architectures that simultaneously exhibit high strength, elasticity and graceful failure. To determine how web mechanics are controlled by their topological design and material distribution, here we create spider-web mimics composed of elastomeric filaments. Specifically, computational modelling and microscale 3D printing are combined to investigate the mechanical response of elastomeric webs under multiple loading conditions. We find the existence of an asymptotic prey size that leads to a saturated web strength. We identify pathways to design elastomeric material structures with maximum strength, low density and adaptability. We show that the loading type dictates the optimal material distribution, that is, a homogeneous distribution is better for localized loading, while stronger radial threads with weaker spiral threads is better for distributed loading. Our observations reveal that the material distribution within spider webs is dictated by the loading condition, shedding light on their observed architectural variations.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Center for Computational Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics
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Creative Commons Attribution
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DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms8038
