Bio-inspired load-bearing strategies in engineering design

This dissertation investigates the enhancement of load-bearing engineering designs through the application of nature's structural principles. The study begins by exploring stiffness optimization methods inspired by the complex structures of diatoms, leveraging these organisms' high strength-to-weight ratios to produce highly performant engineering parts. It then progresses to examine the effectiveness of naturally prevalent TPMS (Triply Periodic Minimal Surface) lattices in stiffness optimization through homogenization. Benchmarking these lattices against other types reveals their superior homogeneity, load-path efficiency, and adaptability to varying boundary conditions, leading to enhanced performance in practical design scenarios. The research documents the effectiveness of the biological design principles studied and outlines strategies for their application in engineering, underscoring the significant potential of incorporating more natural principles into structural design to develop efficient and optimized components.