A multiscale approach to mechanical modeling of a leaf petiole

A plant is a natural hierarchical structure, which exhibits remarkable mechanical properties. The macro (scale) mechanical properties of a plant are the cumulative outcome of the structural properties of its preceding level of structural hierarchy. To develop engineering structures inspired by a plant and its organs, a comprehensive characterization of its mechanical properties exhibited at multiple hierarchical orders is essential. This work presents a set of theoretical and computational models at various orders of the structural hierarchy to capture the overall structural properties of a plant petiole. The modeling method is framed within a multiscale mechanics framework, which is essential for any structure displaying hierarchical orders of organization. The macro structural properties, i.e. flexural and torsional stiffness, of a plant petiole are obtained by correlating cell wall construction, tissue microstructure, and structural shape morphology.

Autorentext

Tanvir Rahman Faisal earns his PhD in mechanical engineering from McGill University, Canada. He did both bachelor and master's in mechanical engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET) in 2003 and 2006, respectively. He also served as an Assistant Professor in the same department at BUET, Bangladesh.