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Multiscale structural gradients enhance the biomechanical functionality of the spider fang

Author

Listed:
  • Benny Bar-On

    (Max-Planck-Institute of Colloids and Interfaces)

  • Friedrich G. Barth

    (Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna)

  • Peter Fratzl

    (Max-Planck-Institute of Colloids and Interfaces)

  • Yael Politi

    (Max-Planck-Institute of Colloids and Interfaces)

Abstract

The spider fang is a natural injection needle, hierarchically built from a complex composite material comprising multiscale architectural gradients. Considering its biomechanical function, the spider fang has to sustain significant mechanical loads. Here we apply experiment-based structural modelling of the fang, followed by analytical mechanical description and Finite-Element simulations, the results of which indicate that the naturally evolved fang architecture results in highly adapted effective structural stiffness and damage resilience. The analysis methods and physical insights of this work are potentially important for investigating and understanding the architecture and structural motifs of sharp-edge biological elements such as stingers, teeth, claws and more.

Suggested Citation

  • Benny Bar-On & Friedrich G. Barth & Peter Fratzl & Yael Politi, 2014. "Multiscale structural gradients enhance the biomechanical functionality of the spider fang," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-8, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:5:y:2014:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms4894
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4894
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    Cited by:

    1. Jinghua Fang & Xiaozhao Wang & Huinan Lai & Wenyue Li & Xudong Yao & Zongyou Pan & Renwei Mao & Yiyang Yan & Chang Xie & Junxin Lin & Wei Sun & Rui Li & Jiajie Wang & Jiacheng Dai & Kaiwang Xu & Xinni, 2024. "Decoding the mechanical characteristics of the human anterior cruciate ligament entheses through graduated mineralization interfaces," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-14, December.

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