Influence of structural reinforcements on the twist-to-bend ratio of plant axes: a case study on Carex pendula.

ABSTRACT: During biological evolution, plants have developed a wide variety of body plans and concepts that enable them to adapt to changing environmental conditions. The trade-off between flexural and torsional rigidity is an important example of sometimes conflicting mechanical requirements, the adaptation to which can be quantified by the dimensionless twist-to-bend ratio. Our study considers the triangular flower stalk of Carex pendula, which shows the highest twist-to-bend ratios ever measured for herbaceous plant axes. For an in-depth understanding of this peak value, we have developed geometric models reflecting the 2D setting of triangular cross-sections comprised of a parenchymatous matrix with vascular bundles surrounded by an epidermis. We analysed the mathematical models (using finite el

SUBMITTER: Wolff-Vorbeck S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8551206 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature