The Challenge of Attaching Dissimilar Materials - Structural Interfaces and Attachments in Biology - page 7

Fig. 1.5 Schematic illustration of the concept of a functionally graded core or graded facing-core
interface (adapted, with permission, from [ 8 ])
Fig. 1.6 Photograph of graded ( left ) and conventional ( right ) sandwich specimens from optical
tests (adapted, with permission, from [ 8 ])
example, the crack growth in the pre-cracked core of sandwich structures with and
without a graded core was monitored in one study (Fig. 1.6 ). In the conventional
design, the crack generated interfacial debonding upon reaching the facing-to-core
interface. Such damage was absent in the counterparts with a graded core.
In conclusion of this section, it is noted that grading is often adopted in
engineering applications at the interface between dissimilar materials for an
enhanced macromechanical response of the structure. A review of functional
grading in engineering applications can be found in Chap. 2.
1.2.2 Biology and Medicine
A wide variety of attachment systems can be found in nature. These systems may be
instructive for engineering and medical practice. In the human musculoskeletal
system, these include the attachment of tendon/ligament to bone (Chap. 4) and the