Extracting Geometry and Topology of Orange Pericarps for the Design of Bioinspired Energy Absorbing Materials

As a result of evolution, many biological materials have developed irregular structures that lead to outstanding mechanical performances, like high stiffness-to-weight ratios and good energy absorption. However, reproducing these irregular biological structures in synthetic materials remains a complex design and fabrication challenge. We present a novel material design method that quantifies topology and geometry to translate the complex structure of irregular biological materials into functional engineering material equivalents using a virtual growth algorithm and additive manufacturing. The foam-like pericarp of the orange, known for its protective energy absorbing capabilities, is used as an example to prove the translation method. Bioinspired composite polymer samples that recreate the external and internal regions of the orange pericarp are tested under both quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions, and we show how to tailor the topology and the geometry to create materials with tunable stiffness and superior energy dissipation properties.