Presenter:
Mark Ilton
Abstract:
Impulsive biological systems - which include mantis shrimp,
trap-jaw ants, and venus fly traps _ can reach high speeds by using elastic
elements to store and rapidly release energy. The material behavior and shape
changes critical to achieving rapid energy release in these systems are
largely unknown due to limitations of materials testing instruments operating
at high speed and large displacement. In this work, we perform fundamental,
proof-of-concept measurements on the tensile retraction of elastomers. Using
high speed imaging, the kinematics of retraction are measured for elastomers
with varying mechanical properties and geometry. We determine empirical
scaling laws which relate the observed kinematics to the underlying material
properties and geometry. Understanding these scaling relations along with the
material failure limits of the elastomer allows the prediction of material
properties required for optimal performance. This model system provides a
foundation for future work connecting continuum performance to molecular
architecture in impulsive systems.