Journal Club Theme of November 2011: Hierarchical Mechanics of Diatom Algae: From Atoms to Organism and Weakness to Strength
Hierarchical Mechanics of Diatom Algae: From Atoms to Organism and Weakness to Strength
This month’s iMechanica Journal Club theme is the hierarchical structure and mechanics of diatom algae, silicified organisms that use silica (“sand”) – abundantly available in the ocean – to construct strong, tough and stiff structures [1-10]. The interest in this area has been revived recently given recent advances in the combined measurement, modeling and synthesis of these materials, leading to exciting research being conducted at the interface of mechanics and biology.