Multiscale mechanical study of the Turritella terebra and Turritellinella tricarinata seashells

TL;DR

This study combines experimental and numerical methods to analyze the multiscale mechanical and dynamic properties of Turritella terebra and Turritellinella tricarinata shells, revealing their vibration attenuation linked to hierarchical structures.

Contribution

It introduces an integrated approach using imaging, microscopy, spectroscopy, and simulations to study natural shells' dynamic behavior at multiple scales.

Findings

Shell structure influences vibration attenuation.

Hierarchical spiral features contribute to mechanical properties.

Method can be applied to other natural systems for bioinspired design.

Abstract

Marine shells are designed by nature to ensure mechanical protection from predators and shelter for mollusks living inside them. A large amount of work has been done to study the multiscale mechanical properties of their complex microstructure and to draw inspiration for the design of impact-resistant biomimetic materials. Less is known regarding the dynamic behavior related to their structure at multiple scales. Here, we present a combined experimental and numerical study of the shells of two different species of gastropod sea snail belonging to the Turritellidae family, featuring a peculiar helicoconic shape with hierarchical spiral elements. The proposed procedure involves the use of micro-Computed Tomography scans for the accurate determination of geometry, Atomic Force Microscopy and Nanoindentation to evaluate local mechanical properties, surface morphology and heterogeneity, as well as Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy coupled with Finite Element Analysis simulations to determine global modal behavior. Results indicate that the specific features of the considered shells, in particular their helicoconic and hierarchical structure, can also be linked to their vibration attenuation behavior. Moreover, the proposed investigation method can be extended to the study of other natural systems, to determine their structure-related dynamic properties, ultimately aiding the design of bioinspired metamaterials and of structures with advanced vibration control.