Engineering Commons^™

Finite Element Analysis Of Shear Resistant Mechanisms For Biolaminate Interfaces, Matthew Nelms

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Alligator gar possesses a flexible dermal armor consisting of overlapping ganoid scales. Each scale is a bilayer hydroxyapatite and collagen-based bio-laminate for protection against predation. The exoskeleton fish scale is comprised of a stiff outer ganoine layer, a characteristic "sawtooth" pattern at the interface and a compliant bone inner layer with all materials exhibiting a decreasing elastic modulus, yield strength and density through the thickness. Experiments on ganoid scales revealed properties such as damage mitigation and energy dissipation that are unique to biological dermal armor. The objective of this investigation is to develop a fundamental understanding of the stress …