title: Effects of loading rate on the mechanical behavior of a natural rigid composite.
abstract: The effects of loading rate variations on the stress-strain behavior, failure mechanisms, fracture modes, and energy-dissipating capability of the spicules of the sponge Euplectella aspergillum have been investigated. Comparisons were made with similar measurements on a silicate glass. It was concluded that the very thin (5-10nm) organic layers that are interspersed with thicker layers of hydrated silica in the concentric ring structure of the spicules strongly influence all aspects of the mechanical behavior.
authors.affiliation: University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Walter
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Flinn
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mayer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005898:Glass / Q000737:chemistry; D008954:Models, Biological; D011161:Porifera / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D017640:Silicates / Q000737:chemistry; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
chemical_list: D017640:Silicates