Methodology for the thermoelastic stress analysis of complex biomimetic structures: An alligator mandible case study

Biomimetic designs that take inspiration from natural structures provide a unique approach to identifying innovative solutions to engineering problems. The experimental analysis of such structures, however, can be difficult due to complex, three-dimensional geometric features. This study presents a methodology for the analysis of complex biomimetic structures using thermoelastic stress analysis (TSA) illustrated through an alligator mandible case study. This structure has evolved to become optimal for its function and environment which has resulted in unique and intricate features. An additively manufactured alligator mandible structure was experimentally analysed using TSA under bending load conditions and compared to a finite element (FE) solution. TSA was found to be a suitable method for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the complex biomimetic structure which correlated well with the FE model. This study demonstrates the accuracy of TSA for the assessment of biomimetic designs with unique, arbitrary geometric features that can be utilised for future nature-inspired engineering applications. • Thermoelastic stress analysis (TSA) was used to assess the surface stress distribution of a complex biomimetic structure. • An alligator mandible case study was investigated. • Experimental testing of the mandible was compared and validated to a finite element (FE) model. • TSA accurately assessed the surface stress distribution of the mandible and agreed with the FE model. • A similar methodology can be employed for other biomimetic and complex structures.