Harnessing 3D microarchitecture of pterosaur bone using multi-scale X-ray CT for aerospace material design

Area of Science:

• Paleontology
• Materials Science
• Bioengineering

Background:

• Pterosaurs, the largest flying vertebrates, offer insights into biomechanics.
• Fossilized bone retains physical and mechanical properties, but is rarely used for bio-inspired engineering.
• Traditional histological analysis of fossils is destructive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To non-destructively image the 3D porosity of pterosaur bone.
• To explore the potential of pterosaur bone microarchitecture for inspiring aerospace materials.
• To investigate the application of Darwinian natural selection's engineering solutions for modern industrial challenges.

Main Methods:

• Advanced X-ray imaging techniques, including Image Quality Indicators.
• Non-destructive 3D imaging of pterosaur bone microarchitecture.
• Analysis of bone porosity and its relation to macroscopic stresses.

Main Results:

• Successfully resolved and verified the 3D microarchitecture of pterosaur bone non-destructively.
• Revealed previously unseen details of pterosaur bone porosity.
• Demonstrated the potential of pterosaur bone's unique geometry for advanced material development.

Conclusions:

• Pterosaur bone porosity provides a blueprint for advanced manufactured materials.
• The study opens avenues for developing self-healing materials with internal monitoring systems.
• Reverse engineering evolutionary solutions from pterosaur bone can address 21st-century industrial challenges.