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Image analyses of two crustacean exoskeletons and implications of the exoskeletal microstructure on the mechanical behavior

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2011

Liang Cheng ,
Liyun Wang  and
Anette M. Karlsson
Liang Cheng
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716
Liyun Wang
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716
Anette M. Karlsson*
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716
*
a)Address all correspondence to this author. e-mail: karlsson@udel.edu
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Abstract

The microstructures of exoskeletons from Homarus americanus (American lobster) and Callinectes sapidus (Atlantic blue crab) were investigated to elucidate the mechanical behavior of such biological composites. Image analyses of the cross-sectioned exoskeletons showed that the two species each have three well-defined regions across the cuticle thickness where the two innermost regions (exocuticle and endocuticle) are load bearing. These regions consist of mineralized chitin fibers aligned in layers, where a gradual rotation of the fiber orientation of the layers results in repeating stacks. The exocuticle and endocuticle of the two species have similar morphology, but different thicknesses, number of layers, and number of stacks. Mechanics-based analyses showed that the morphology of the layered structure corresponds to a nearly isotropic structure. The cuticles are inter-stitched with pore canal fibers, running transversely to the layered structure. Mechanics-based analyses suggested that the pore canal fibers increase the interlaminar strength of the exoskeleton.

Keywords

BiomaterialElastic propertiesMicrostructure
Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Materials Research , Volume 23 , Issue 11 , November 2008 , pp. 2854 - 2872
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2008

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