1
|
Zhang HK, Zhou J, Fang W, Zhao H, Zhao ZL, Chen X, Zhao HP, Feng XQ. Multi-functional topology optimization of Victoria cruziana veins. J R Soc Interface 2022; 19:20220298. [PMID: 35702860 PMCID: PMC9198518 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The growth and development of biological tissues and organs strongly depend on the requirements of their multiple functions. Plant veins yield efficient nutrient transport and withstand various external loads. Victoria cruziana, a tropical species of the Nymphaeaceae family of water lilies, has evolved a network of three-dimensional and rugged veins, which yields a superior load-bearing capacity. However, it remains elusive how biological and mechanical factors affect their unique vein layout. In this paper, we propose a multi-functional and large-scale topology optimization method to investigate the morphomechanics of Victoria cruziana veins, which optimizes both the structural stiffness and nutrient transport efficiency. Our results suggest that increasing the branching order of radial veins improves the efficiency of nutrient delivery, and the gradient variation of circumferential vein sizes significantly contributes to the stiffness of the leaf. In the present method, we also consider the optimization of the wall thickness and the maximum layout distance of circumferential veins. Furthermore, biomimetic leaves are fabricated by using the three-dimensional printing technique to verify our theoretical findings. This work not only gains insights into the morphomechanics of Victoria cruziana veins, but also helps the design of, for example, rib-reinforced shells, slabs and dome skeletons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Kai Zhang
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, AML, Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyi Zhou
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Fang
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, AML, Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Huichan Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Long Zhao
- Institute of Solid Mechanics, School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Xindong Chen
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, AML, Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Ping Zhao
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, AML, Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi-Qiao Feng
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, AML, Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China.,State Key Lab of Tribology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|