Bioinspired Mechanical Insights from Corymbia ficifolia Fruit under Compression

This study explores the mechanical behavior and energy absorption (EA) capacity of the macroarchitecture and micro architecture of Corymbia ficifolia nuts as a guiding prototype for bioinspired materials. Through quasi-static compression testing and three-dimensional (3D) scanning, we analyzed the structural response of nut samples. The samples were cut into two (top and bottom) parts. Results indicate that the top portions of the nuts exhibit higher strength and specific energy absorption (SEA) than the bottom portions. Density analysis and SEA calculations placed the nuts favorably on an Ashby chart, surpassing traditional materials such as stainless steel corrugation and showing competitive performance against advanced structures such as 3D-printed honeycombs. These findings suggest that structural characteristics of Corymbia ficifolia could inspire the design of lightweight, high-energy-absorbing materials for applications in aerospace, automotive, and protective systems. Future work will focus on developing conceptual and cellular pattern models to further understand and enhance the material’s mechanical properties. The study underscores the potential of nature-inspired solutions for advanced material engineering.