The Development of a Damage-tolerant Architected Structure Inspired by Protoreaster nodosus Microstructure

This study investigates the use of biomimicry in designing bio-inspired materials for engineering applications, focusing on lattice structures for lightweight, high-strength solutions in industries such as aerospace and automotive. Researchers have drawn inspiration from natural systems, including bamboo, fish dermal layers, and the Protoreaster nodosus starfish, which possesses a unique damage-tolerant micro-lattice structure. This dual-scale, single-crystalline configuration enables the starfish to absorb impacts efficiently while maintaining a lightweight design. The study explores the potential of replicating this micro-lattice structure via 3D modelling to improve strength and damage tolerance in engineered materials. Using SimSolid FEA software, the energy absorption and damage tolerance of the microlattice were evaluated through frequency analysis and squash tests. Results indicated that while the structure efficiently absorbs energy, its reliance on elastic deformation may limit its suitability for applications requiring rapid energy dissipation or high impact resistance. The findings suggest that while the bio-inspired lattice holds promise for reusable load-bearing applications, further optimization is necessary for applications that demand instantaneous energy dissipation or enhanced durability under dynamic loading conditions.