Uncovering Nature's Design Strategies through Parametric Modeling, Multi‐Material 3D Printing, and Mechanical Testing

Abstract

Nature produces a multitude of composite materials with intricate architectures that in many instances far exceed the performance of their modern engineering analogs. Despite significant investigations into structure‐function relationships of complex biological materials, there is typically a lack of critical information regarding the specific functional roles of many of their components. To help resolve this issue, the authors present here a framework for investigating biological design principles that combines parametric modeling, multi‐material 3D printing, and direct mechanical testing to efficiently examine very large parameter spaces of biological design. Using the brick and mortar‐like architecture of mollusk nacre as a model system, the authors show that this approach can be used to effectively examine the structural complexity of biological materials and harvest design principles not previously accessible.