Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 19, 2026

A Millimeter Scale Flexural Testing System for Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Marine Sponge Spicules
Published on: October 11, 2017
A bioinspired study on the compressive resistance of helicoidal fibre structures
1Civil and Environmental Engineering, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
Abstract:
Helicoidal fibre structures are widely observed in natural materials. In this paper, an integrated experimental and analytical approach was used to investigate the compressive resistance of helicoidal fibre structures. First, helicoidal fibre-reinforced composites were created using three-dimensionally printed helicoids and polymeric matrices, including plain, ring-reinforced and helix-reinforced helicoids. Then, load-displacement curves under monotonic compression tests were collected to measure the compressive strengths of helicoidal fibre composites. Fractographic characterization was performed using an X-ray microtomographer and scanning electron microscope, through which crack propagations in helicoidal structures were illustrated. Finally, mathematical modelling was performed to reveal the essential fibre architectures in the compressive resistance of helicoidal fibre structures. This work reveals that fibre-matrix ratios, helix pitch angles and interlayer rotary angles are critical to the compressive resistance of helicoidal structures.
Related Concept Videos
Hooke's Law
Bending of Members Made of Several Materials
Hooke's Law determines stress in each material, stating that stress is proportional to strain but varies due to each material's...
Relation Between Tensile Strength and Compressive Strength of Concrete
Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Residual Stresses in Bending
Relation between Poisson's ratio, Modulus of Elasticity and Modulus of Rigidity

