Structure-property relationships in an impact tolerant bio-composite.

Mantis shrimp have evolved a biological hammer capable of smashing apart classically tough bio-composites. By investigating the structure-property relationships within the dactyl club we are attempting to reverse engineer the emergent design principles contained within this specialized region of the organism's cuticle. We aim to recreate the the essential geometry behind the toughening mechanisms with modern engineered materials for use in body armor and aircraft.

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