Design and fabrication of artificial brain coral: Evolution principle, turbulent hydrodynamics and matter interchange

This paper presents a study of the morphogenesis of brain corals based on an experimental investigation and a topological optimization method. The resistance to matter interchange was employed to allocate the optimal space for the growth of polyp colonies from the perspective of topological optimization, where the optimized structures are those of natural brain corals. Computational fluid dynamics simulations revealed that these complicated structures can provide shelter to protect polyps from ocean currents. A reverse mold was prepared from silica gel and used to cast models from mixtures of cement and calcium carbonate, where the mixture ratio was determined based on compressive strength and biocompatibility. Based on an acid corrosion experiment, the matter interchange capability was verified. This study also proved that the many folds in the structure of brain corals contribute to the circulation of seawater, thus maintaining the concentration of nutrients and hindering the deposition of harmful substances. This paper establishes an innovative methodology for the creation of artificial brain corals, which is important for environmental restoration.