Optimizing structural design in composites by learning from bone

摘要

Researchers from Cambridge University's Manufacturing and Management Division argue that many structures under-deliver on the low-weight high-strength potential of composite materials because their design is insufficiently optimized. In a recent paper, 'Torsional Optimisation of Fibre Placement in Composites', M.J. Platt suggests that we could learn how better to optimize, from nature.In young bone, which is fibrous material, biological sensors measure stress and 'instruct' the bone to lay down more material, in appropriate amounts and directions, to accommodate the strain field. Conversely, because animals move and require the minimum weight of bone structure to do the job, bone material is subtracted when long-term strains are reduced. Thus bone is a naturally self-optimizing material.