Harnessing nature’s design to build tougher materials
The University of Texas at Arlington has awarded funding to research teams to launch new investigative projects. The Research Enhancement Program (REP), administered by UTA’s Office of Vice President for Research and Innovation, offers seed funding to investigators to help them test new ideas and explore new directions that could lead to future innovations and more competitive proposals for external funding from federal agencies and nonprofit foundations.
In our research series, we highlight six of these grants.
Researcher: Shiyao Lin, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering
Project title: “Novel Damage-Tolerant Composites Enabled by Hybrid Biomimetic Designs and Multi-Material Additive Manufacturing”
What’s the idea?
Dr. Lin is developing next-generation, damage-tolerant composite materials using designs inspired by nature—such as bamboo and conch shells. These hybrid biomimetic structures will be built using multi-material 3D printing and tested for strength and durability.
Why it matters:
This research explores materials science through the lens of nature by studying how natural structures prevent damage and resist fracture. By investigating the fundamental physics behind how cracks form and spread in these materials, Lin aims to uncover new ways to improve toughness in engineered composites. The project blends multiple biomimetic structures—an approach that has rarely been explored—and will validate their effectiveness through lab experiments and computational modeling.
Real-world use:
These designs could lead to stronger, safer materials used for aerospace engineering, automobile manufacturing and personal protective equipment. Potential applications range from aircraft components that better withstand stress, to car parts that improve passenger safety, to body armor with advanced energy absorption—making the impact both wide-ranging and meaningful.
Next steps:
The first step is to create a hybrid design inspired by bamboo and conch shells. Bamboo's natural cell structure helps deflect cracks, while the conch shell's layered composition resists fractures. Using a multi-material 3D printer, the team will build these hybrid structures and conduct mechanical testing to evaluate how well they hold up under stress.
In their words:
“This grant will train graduate and undergraduate students with analytical and hands-on skills and broaden the scope of knowledge of engineering students in zoology and biology.” —Lin
Other Research Enhancement Program news:
May 27: Studying how bacteria grow to fight infections
May 29: Radar system aims to catch drone failures early
June 3: Improving PSA messaging to protect against online scams
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 41,000, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.