All of these sponges that live in deep oceans have a secret: their light grid -like shapes are surprisingly stiff and strong. Inspired by these fascinating creatures, researchers from Australia RMIT University have developed a new structure in order to produce significantly stronger materials for more durable buildings.
The team examined how the double grid structure – in the skeleton of a sponge called Venus' flower basket – not only an impressive strength, but also the auextic behavior – the ability to work together when compression.
“While most materials like rubber, such as rubber, become thinner, they do the opposite” Composite structures In January. “Auxetics can effectively absorb and distribute the effective energy, which makes it extremely useful.”
The RMIT team found that their material of their choice, when they combine grids in a structure, similar to a deep sea sponge, can absorb more energy and manage more tension before it is deformed.
With the same amount of material, the BLS offers 13 -fold stiffness as existing auxetic materials (as in heart), absorbs 10% more energy and has a larger expansion range of 60% than existing constructions.
The researchers tested this BLS design with 3D printing a sample made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU 95A). Your next step is to make steel versions of this design for use with concrete to see how it keeps it as a building material.
RMIT University
“We develop a more sustainable building material by using the unique combination of our design from outstanding auxetics, stiffness and energy absorption to reduce the use of steel and cement under construction,” said Ma. “His auxetic and energy -absorbing features could also help dampen the vibrations for earthquakes.”
The BLS design could also be used in protective sports equipment and medical products that must be light but strong.
Source: RMIT University