Biomimetic Composites Reinforced by Branched Nanofibers

Abstract

Numerous examples of reinforcement by branched fibers in cells, tissues, and organs of plants and animals are presented. It is shown orientation of the fibers according to principles of the stress tensor at prevalent external load is the main principle of optimal reinforcement in live nature. The measurement data obtained on venations of the plant leaves revealed clear dependencies between the diameters, lengths, and branching angles that correspond to delivery of the plant sap to live cells of the leaf with minimal energy expenses. The mathematical problem on geometry of asymmetrically loaded, branched fiber experienced minimal stress is solved. It is shown the optimality for the fluid delivery and structural reinforcement are based on the same relations between the diameters, lengths, and branching angles. Therefore, optimal reinforcement by the conducting networks of pipes is widely used in plants and animals. The principles of optimal reinforcement are proposed for implementation in technical constructions and MEMS devices.