Mechanical and hydrodynamic analyses of helical strake-like ridges in a glass sponge

Abstract

From the discovery of functionally graded laminated composites, to near-structurally optimized diagonally reinforced square lattice structures, the skeletal system of the predominantly deep-sea sponge Euplectella aspergillum has continued to inspire biologists, materials scientists and mechanical engineers. Building on these previous efforts, in the present study, we develop an integrated finite element and fluid dynamics approach for investigating structure–function relationships in the complex maze-like organization of helical ridges that surround the main skeletal tube of this species. From these investigations, we discover that not only do these ridges provide additional mechanical reinforcement, but perhaps more significantly, provide a critical hydrodynamic benefit by effectively suppressing von Kármán vortex shedding and reducing lift forcing fluctuations over a wide range of biologically relevant flow regimes. By comparing the disordered sponge ridge geometry to other more symmetrical strake-based vortex suppression systems commonly employed in infrastructure applications ranging from antennas to underwater gas and oil pipelines, we find that the unique maze-like ridge organization of E. aspergillum can completely suppress vortex shedding rather than delaying their shedding to a more downstream location, thus highlighting their potential benefit in these engineering contexts.

Guidelines derived from biomineralized tissues for design and construction of high-performance biomimetic materials: from weak to strong

“…Fernandes et al 249 used an integrated finite element and fluid dynamics method to study helical ridges around the sponge's main skeletal tube ( Euplectella aspergillum ). They discovered that these ridges enabled a mechanical reinforcement and a possible hydrodynamic advantage.…”

High‐Temperature Creep Behavior of Selective‐Laser‐Melting‐Fabricated Lattice Structures Inspired from Euplectella Aspergillum

“…[55] Few studies are also available on the properties of fiber like silica-based struts of glass sponges and the hydrodynamic properties of the glass sponges. [56,57] One of the common applications of strut-based lattices is gridstiffened structures. Iso-grids are mostly used in the structural components to improve strength and lightweight and as a protective casing as shown in Figure 1.…”

“…Few studies are available on the bioinspiration of E. aspergillum in the form of lattices. [50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57] However, the high-temperature mechanical properties of such bioinspired structures have not been studied to date and the incorporation of such lightweight designs in the aeroengine components as grid stiffeners and lightweight requires studying the high-temperature mechanical behavior of such designs. Hence, in this study, two different tubular designs are bioinspired from the architecture of the glass sponge.…”

“…[ 55 ] Few studies are also available on the properties of fiber like silica‐based struts of glass sponges and the hydrodynamic properties of the glass sponges. [ 56,57 ]…”

Culinary fluid mechanics and other currents in food science

“…Vortex shedding also occurs for cables or tall buildings in strong wind, which can be destructive if the aerodynamic driving frequency resonates with the structural eigenmodes [816]. To prevent damage from happening, newer buildings are designed to have several eigenfrequencies to effectively dissipate the energy, or to have roughness elements, as perfected by the glass sponge Euplectella aspergillum [817]. The sound of the tea kettle whistle might inspire you to whistle for yourself while stirring your tea [ §VIII A].…”