Optimal design for higher resistance to thermal impulse : a lesson learned from the shells of deep-sea hydrothermal-vent snails

Abstract

Inspired by the unique layered structure and the superior resistance to thermal impulse exhibited by the shells of snails inhabiting the deep-sea hydrothermal environment, here we attempt to reveal the underlying structure–property relationship by investigating the temperature response of a bilayer subjected to a thermal impulse on one side. A semi-analytical solution to the transient temperature field is obtained, allowing us to examine the effects of the layout sequence and volume fractions of the constitutive layers on the thermal impulse resistance of the shell. For two layers made of given materials, the proper layout sequence and optimal thickness ratio are proposed, giving rise to a highest resistance to thermal impulse. The results of our work not only account for the physiological functionality of the unique laminated design of the snail shells from deep-sea hydrothermal environments but also provide operational guidelines for the development of thermal barriers in engineering.