Study and Preliminary Modeling of Microstructure and Morphology of the Elephant Trunk Skin.

The mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of elephant skin have been investigated in this study to gain insights into its exceptional robustness, deformability, and touch sensitivity. Specifically, skin samples from the elephant trunk were thoroughly analyzed to understand their morphology and inner structure. The mechanical behavior of different skin layers was assessed through uniaxial tensile and indentation tests, enabling the retrieval of their mechanical parameters. To better comprehend the microstructure of the skin, two simplified numerical models were developed. The first model elucidated the role of the discrete island-shaped structure of the epidermis, which allows the skin to elongate while maintaining its robustness. The second model focused on the epidermal ridges, demonstrating their influence in increasing local strain under indentation stimuli. These investigations into the natural properties of elephant skin have significant implications for the design of a new generation of artificial skins that exhibit remarkable sensitivity, toughness, and deformability. The findings presented in this study contribute to the advancement of biomimetic materials and inspire innovative approaches in various fields, ranging from robotics to prosthetics and beyond.