The scientists review common design motifs of a range of natural structural materials and lessons learned by understanding how the components of the structure work together to produce materials with superior properties. (sciencedaily.com)
In nature, wood, shells, and other structural materials are lightweight, strong, and tough. (sciencedaily.com)
But the technique does not lend itself well to studying structural materials, such as steel, that are needed to build, for example, aircraft wings, bridges or engines. (scientificamerican.com)