Impact of Cryogenic Temperatures on the Mechanical Properties of \textit{Steatoda Triangulosa} Spider Silk

POSTER

Abstract

The mechanical properties of dragline spider silk from the species \textit{Steatoda Triangulosa} are examined at 77K. Dragline silk is used as a structural material to support deuterium - tritium laser fusion targets at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) in Rochester, NY. As the targets are filled, the dragline is exposed to cryogenic temperatures. To simulate this environment, silk is dipped into liquid nitrogen. The strength, toughness, and modulus of elasticity of silk in liquid nitrogen are compared to these properties in air. Cryogenic dragline is 200{\%} as strong, 125{\%} as tough, and has an elastic modulus of 300{\%} compared to silk in air at room temperature.

Authors

  • Edward Pogozelski

    Physics and Astronomy, State University of New York at Geneseo

  • Brendan See

    Physics and Astronomy, State University of New York at Geneseo

  • Christina Kieffer

    Physics and Astronomy, State University of New York at Geneseo

  • William Becker

    Physics and Astronomy, State University of New York at Geneseo

  • Stephen Padalino

    Physics and Astronomy, State University of New York at Geneseo, SUNY at Geneseo

  • Craig Sangster

    University of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, LLE University of Rochester, LLE, University of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, University of Rochester