Mechanics of Telson Ridges in Mantis Shrimp for Impact Analysis and Implications for Bioinspired Elastic Shell Designs

ABSTRACT

The telson of the mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda) withstands repeated high‐energy impacts during ritualized combat through a multiscale architecture comprising external ridges, known as carinae, and a compliant composite core. We examine the dynamic response of the biological telson using anatomically inspired two‐dimensional plane‐strain finite element models to evaluate the influence of the carinae under impact. Compared with a smoothed geometry, the ridged telson exhibits reduced shear‐strain transmission to distal regions and localized deformation associated with transient ridge flattening. The stress front also reaches the distal region later in the ridged telson, with a delay exceeding that expected from increased geometric travel distance alone. We then draw on the curved telson sidewall and oppositely curved carinae to develop bioinspired elastic structures termed Telson‐Inspired Ridged Curved Shells (TIRCS). Finite element simulations and dimensionless parametric analyses show that the interaction between the global shell curvature and the central ridge governs stiffness, peak moment, deformation mode, bidirectional snap‐through, bistability, and loading–unloading hysteresis. Experiments using vacuum‐formed specimens and a roller‐guided bending apparatus validate these trends. These findings provide a mechanics‐based foundation for architected materials leveraging geometric nonlinearities for enhanced energy dissipation, stiffness control, and multifunctionality.