Quasi-static response of horse hoof inspired biomimetic structures

Abstract

This paper investigates the quasi-static response of structures inspired by the horse hoof wall structure. The horse hoof wall has a laminated structure which was mimicked to develop a composite structure using the biomimicry design spiral approach. Additive manufacturing technique was used to create the laminated structures. The intermediate layers of the laminated structures were filled with resin material in three different layer configurations with variable angles of 60°, 70°, and 90°. The quasi-static response of the biomimetic structures was investigated using a hemispherical indenter. To further understand the influence of filler material, the structures were also examined without filling the intermediate layers. It was found that the flat layer, i.e. 90°, has a better energy absorption capacity than monolithic and other structures. This research will assist in the development of energy absorbing biomimetic structures as well as the selection of appropriate materials to improve the bonding between layers of 3D printed structures, resulting in increased structural strength.