ScienceDaily (Oct. 2, 2012) — For the first
time, a team of Australian engineers has modelled the microscopic
mechanics of a sea urchin's spine, gaining insight into how these
unusual creatures withstand impacts in their aquatic environment.
The skeleton of the purple-spined sea urchin (Centrostephanus rodgersii),
found in tidal waters along the coast of New South Wales, has many long
spines extending from its core. These spiky features are used for
walking, sensing their environment, and for protection against predators
and rough surf.
The long hollow spines are made from a single crystal of calcite --
which is essentially glass -- arranged in a porous, intricate structure.
Material scientists are interested in the chemical composition of these
spines, but there has been no exploration of how they respond to
mechanical stress.
Read on: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121003094642.htm
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