Macrocomposite mechanical design, modeling, and behavior of physical models of bioinspired fish armor

The macrocomposite design of flexible biological exoskeletons, consisting of overlapping mineralized armor units embedded in a compliant tissue, is a key determinant of their mechanical function (e.g penetration resistance and biomechanical flexibility). Here, we investigate the role of macrocomposite structure, composition, geometric orientation, and spatial distribution in a flexible model natural armor system present in the majority of teleost fish species. Physical multi-material composite models are fabricated using a combination of 3-D printing and molding methods. Mechanical experiments using digital image correlation enable measurement of both the macroscopic response and underlying deformation mechanisms during various loading scenarios. Finite element-based mechanical models yield detailed insights into the roles and the tradeoffs of the composite structure providing constraint, shear, and bending mechanisms to impart protection and flexibility.