Investigation of the multifunctional properties of a bio-inspired material based on cuttlebone

Nature is a never-ending inspiration for new structures with unique multifunctional properties. For example, the structure of the cuttlebone of the common cuttlefish, Sepia Officinalis, allows it to withstand pressures up to 2 MPa while enabling the flow of water in and out to control buoyancy. Cuttlebone is a lightweight material with a porosity of around 90% and is made of many layers of labyrinthine walls separated by thin septa. Under compression, each layer fails successively, leaving the remaining layers functional. The semi-sinusoidal labyrinthine pattern of the walls is reminiscent of space-coiling structures seen in acoustic metamaterials, making the structure intriguing from the perspective of sound absorption as well. In this paper, we explore the feasibility of using additive manufacturing to produce structures inspired by the multi-layered cuttlebone. After producing samples, we test their acoustical properties using an impedance tube. In addition, we test their mechanical properties. Preliminary results suggest that these bio-inspired structures can be tailored for noise control applications.