Scholar: Arafat Alam
When: November 26th, 8:30am
Zoom: https://unl.zoom.us/j/94069671464
Title: Exploring the Role of Biomimetic Principles in Enhancing Mechanical Performance of Cellular Concrete and Composite Concrete Systems
Abstract: Natural materials such as bamboo culm and human bone demonstrate structural hierarchy and material gradation that can achieve exceptional energy absorption and damage tolerance. This dissertation develops bioinspired multi-layer cellular concrete (MLCC) and UHPC–cellular composite concrete systems that mimic the gradient and composite structures found in nature. Through layers of varying densities, MLCC achieved progressive energy absorption and stable crushing under different loading conditions, which is further investigated through LS-DYNA simulations and applied to an aircraft arrestor system for improved safety of both heavy and light aircraft. The composite concrete integrates a cellular core with UHPC skins, mimicking the spongy and compact layers of long bones. This configuration resulted in improved ductility, toughness, and crack control under flexural loading due to the synergistic interaction between core crushing and skin hardening. ABAQUS simulations and parametric studies confirmed its stress redistribution capacity and scalability.