Structural Model of the Shaft Showing How it Changes Shape (IMAGE)

University of California - San Diego

Structural Model of the Shaft Showing How it Changes Shape

Caption

The feather-shaft cortex is a fibrous composite with varying fiber orientations along the length adjusting to local stress requirements: the increasing amount of axial fibers ensure sufficient flexural rigidity, while the crossed fibers provide reasonable flexibility and torsional rigidity. The features revealed symbolize the unique adaptation of feathers for optimized stiffness and lightness, a natural structure inspiring for advanced engineering designs

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UC San Diego

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