Journal of Bionic Engineering (2024) 21:1442–1452 https://doi.org/10.1007/s42235-024-00488-5

Multilevel Micro Structures of the Clam Make the Sealing Even Tighter

Daobing Chen1 · Xiaolong Zhang2 · Junqiu Zhang3,4 · Zhiwu Han3,4 · Ruteng Wang2 · Zhen Lin2 · Yifeng Lei2 · Longjian Xue2  · Sheng Liu1

1 The Institute of Technological Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China

2 School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China

3 The Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China

4 Institute of Structured and Architected Materials, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang 110167, China

Abstract

Excellent fuid sealing performance is crucial to ensuring the safety of important equipment, especially in aerospace feld, such as space capsule and fuel chamber. The frequently opening and closing of the sealing devices is particularly important. Driven by this background, clams (Mactra chinensis) which can open and close their double shells with superior sealing performance, are studied in this work. Here, we show that the clam’s sealing ability is the result of its unique multilevel intermeshing microstructures, including hinge teeth and micro-blocks. These microstructures, which resemble gear teeth, engage with each other when the shell closes, forming a tight structure that prevents the infltration of water from the outside. Furthermore, the presence of micron blocks prevents the penetration of fner liquids. The simulation results of the bionic end seal components show that the multilevel microstructure has a superior sealing efect. This research is expected to be applied to undersea vehicles that require frequent door opening and closing.

Keywords Multilevel micro structures · Opening and closing components · Clam · Sealing · Bionic