The structure of the seahorse tail will help develop a new armor and robotic captures

An international team of researchers has published work on the study of the seahorse tail. This object, which was unexpected for study, turned out to be quite interesting - its structure can help in creating improved armor and, at the same time, improved robotic captures. The whole thing in the structure of the tail - it consists of square, not round, segments.

Michael Porter, an assistant professor at Clemson University, explained his interest in sea horses : “In almost all animals, the tail has a round or oval cross section - but not a sea horse. We wondered why this is. We found out that such a structure provides the best protection and better opportunities for grabbing objects. ”
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Seahorse inspired design (clickable)

In addition, it turned out that the tail of such a structure at the same time is harder, stronger and stronger in tension. As Porter explains, usually enhancing any of the three characteristics weakens one or two others. But not in this case. After all, square plates have only one degree of freedom when moving - along the tail. They do not curl like round, and therefore withstand heavy loads.

In order not to torment sea horses, for their research, scientists printed simplified models of the “tails” on a 3D printer, and then made various efforts to them. The study was based on Porter's previous work in collaboration with Dominic Adrianos, professor of evolutionary biology, and other scientists. Michael tries to use the synthesis of biology and engineering to both explain the characteristics of living organisms and to create devices based on them that are useful to people.



Square segments allow the tail, which acts as a grip, to hold objects, creating more points of contact - and spending less energy on unwinding. The shape of the segments and the ability to slip relative to each other gives the structure the ability to absorb energy, which makes it a good basis for armor.

A seahorse tail usually consists of 36 square segments, each of which is composed of four L-shaped plates, gradually decreasing towards the end of the tail. Segments can rotate relative to each other or move along the tail line. The joints have the form of ball joints, in connection with which they have three degrees of freedom.