Abstract

The contact mechanics of structures with exoskeletal components deviate significantly from classical Hertzian and non-linear models. In the case of fish scale inspired samples under blunt indentation loading these factors are inherently tied to both the size of the indenter and the scales' distribution and orientation. Control of these geometric parameters provides a pathway to tailor the properties of surfaces for better grip, damage mitigation and controlled deformation. This study explores the response of a substrate with stiff scales protruding from its surface, which is comprised of a soft elastomeric material with properties typical of those in soft robotics applications. It is found that the exoskeletal components amplify the nonlinearly of the system by artificially increasing the effective Hertzian contact area, which alters the contact stiffness and breaks the symmetry of the load across the surface. These effects are quantified using a combination of numerical modeling, finite element (FE) computation and experimental 3D Digital Image Correlation (DIC). While previous works have focused on biological fish scales, fully embedded scale composites and perforation studies, this study investigates and develops a numerical model to quantify the contact behavior of nonlinear elastic substates with exoskeletal scale structures.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2020

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Ghosh, Ranajay

Degree

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (M.S.M.E.)

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Program

Mechanical Engineering; Mechanical Systems Track

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0008043; DP0023183

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0023183

Language

English

Release Date

May 2020

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

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