A very interesting phenomena was highlighted in a recent press release. Nature has built coconut in a way that when it falls from the tree on a hard ground, it does not split into pieces, thus protecting the ripe fruit inside. This happens due to the complex structures of three layers - the skin, the husk and the shell, that make a coconut shell.
For the purpose of understanding the mechanism that makes up the complex structures of the coconut wall, researchers at Plant Biomechanics Group of the University of Freiburg used microscopy and computed tomography. Additionally, with the help of compression machines, they also determined how the protective layers absorb and diffuse energy when they hit the ground with an impact.
According to the team, the inner shell, also known as endocarp, has a ladder-like vascular structure that helps push water and nutrients through its internal system. However, now they discovered that the same system will also help endure the bending forces.
Plant biomechanist, Dr. Stefanie Schmier said, "The endocarp seems to dissipate energy via crack deflection.
"This means that any newly developed cracks created by the impact don't run directly through the hard shell."
The research team also believes that the design of the shells helps in diverting the trajectory of cracks. Simply put, when the crack travels too long, it is possible for it to stop before it grows too big. Their study findings concluded that if textile fibers inside concrete are rearranged in such a way that imitates the coconut, then it could help in construction of buildings that are much stronger.
These buildings will be of much more value in earthquake-prone areas. Made from this material, the buildings in this area will not crack or collapse when the earth starts to shake.
Dr. Schmier added, "This combination of lightweight structuring with high energy dissipation capacity is of increasing interest to protect buildings against earthquakes, rock fall and other natural or manmade hazards."
