Abstract
The utility of applying thin shell theory is explored for a biological composite represented as a helically-would, fibrous cuticle. Specifically, the anisotropic cuticle of Paragordius varius is viewed as an unbalanced, cylindrical shell and a theoretical equation is derived relating anticipated changes in “stiffness” as a function of fiber angle as the system is subjected to tension. Empirical data from preliminary stress-strain experiments on isolated cuticle preparations are compared with predicted values for stiffness; recognized simplifying assumptions still allow for a correlation between the theoretical and experimental behavior of the system. Comments on the adaptive significance of various cuticle designs are included along with suggestions for further analyses using thin shell theory.
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