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Quadrupedal Mechanics - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 23:51, 19 June 2013
, 23:51, 19 June 2013→The advantage and organisation of composite materials
==='''The advantage and organisation of composite materials'''===
==='''The advantage and organisation of composite materials'''===
[[File:QMFig 2.13.png|thumb|'''Fig. 2.13 Structure of a long bone''']]
As examples of composite materials, the physical properties of bone and fibrocartilage are unlike those of either component taken alone, and are not the sum of the two taken together. Collagen fibres resist tension forces and hydroxyapatite resists compression forces. The composites, bone and fibrocartilage may therefore be likened to manmade materials such as ferroconcrete, fibreglass or filled rubber. The discovery of these revolutionised construction of bridges, boats and tyres, as was animal construction revolutionised when bony skeletons were invented much longer ago.
As examples of composite materials, the physical properties of bone and fibrocartilage are unlike those of either component taken alone, and are not the sum of the two taken together. Collagen fibres resist tension forces and hydroxyapatite resists compression forces. The composites, bone and fibrocartilage may therefore be likened to manmade materials such as ferroconcrete, fibreglass or filled rubber. The discovery of these revolutionised construction of bridges, boats and tyres, as was animal construction revolutionised when bony skeletons were invented much longer ago.