Biomimetic Assessment of 3D-Printed T-Shape Joints Bio-Inspired by the Stem-Branch Junction in Common Ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) Trees.

ABSTRACT: The stem-branch junction in trees demonstrates exceptional structural design. This study examined two key features of the branch junction in common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) wood: the interlocked area (ILA) formed above a knot and the spatial arrangement of fibers in the junction. Bio-inspired by the microstructural features revealed by micro-computed tomography imaging, we developed 3D-printed models and compared their mechanical performance to standard symmetrical T-joints. We evaluated the models using mechanical tests and finite element modeling (FEM). Asymmetrical 3D-printed joints mimicking vessel and fiber distribution in the stem-branch junction were 2% stiffer in the elastic region than symmetrical joints and showed, on average, 10% lower deflection at failure. While the

SUBMITTER: Lagana R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12838859 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature