| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2020 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Biological Materials Science
|
| Presentation Title |
Structure and Behavior of Viper Snake Fangs |
| Author(s) |
Susana Estrada, Juan Camilo Arredondo, J A Pereaņez, Sean Ghods, Dwayne Arola, Alex Ossa |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Alex Ossa |
| Abstract Scope |
Viper fangs have a structure that allows an efficient injection of venom to their preys. The integration of high mechanical strength in slender hollowed ceramic structures has been challenging for engineers and designers, making these fangs an interesting material to study. Here we studied the microstructure, composition, and mechanical properties of the fangs of three different species of vipers (e.g. Bothrops asper, Crotalus durissus and Lachesis acrochorda). Using optical microscopy, SEM and FTIR, both enamel and dentin were identified. The hardness measurements suggest that the fangs are harder towards the tip, condition related to their function of penetrating tissues. Using high-speed video was possible to measure a strike speed of about 2.5 m/s. This work takes a broad look at the phenomenon of snake bites, showing that despite the constructive restrictions of the fangs, they can be strong and tough, inspiring a new generation of high-performance ceramic and composite materials. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Supplemental Proceedings volume |