The sea shells are interesting material from the mechanical point of
view as they show superior properties than their constituents. Two major
shell structures- nacre and crossed lamellar are reviewed and compared
in this book on the basis of mechanical properties -tensile, compressive
and bending strength, fracture toughness and hardness and their
adaptation to the loadings encountered during lifecycle of the molluscs.
This book further illustrates the microstructure, shell growth and the
modeling of nacre and crossed lamellar structure. Adaptation of various
structures to different environments is also discussed. The thermal
analysis elucidates the role of organic material in enhancing the
mechanical properties.