Data from: Structural design of the minute clypeasteroid echinoid Echinocyamus pusillus

The clypeasteroid echinoid skeleton is a multi-plated, light-weight shell construction produced by biomineralization processes. In shell constructions, joints between individual elements are considered as weak points, yet, these echinoid skeleton shows an extensive preservation potential in both Recent and fossil environments. The remarkable strength of the test is achieved by skeletal reinforcement structures and their constructional layouts. Micro-computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy are used for micro-structural and volumetric analyses of the echinoid’s skeleton. It is shown, that strengthening mechanisms act on different hierarchical levels from the overall shape of the skeleton to micro-skeletal interlocking. The tight-fitting and interlocking plate joints lead to a shell considered to behave as a monolithic structure. The plate’s architecture features distinct regions interpreted as a significant load transferring system. The internal support system follows the segmentation of the remaining skeleton, where sutural layout and stereom distribution are designed for effective load transfer. The structural analysis of the multi-plated, yet monolithic skeleton of Echinocyamus pusillus reveals new aspects of the micro-morphology and its structural relevance for the load-bearing behaviour. The analysed structural principles allow E. pusillus to be considered as a role model for the development of multi-element, light-weight shell constructions.楯形目海胆（clypeasteroid echinoid）的骨骼是一种由生物矿化过程形成的多板轻质壳体结构。在壳体结构中，单个构件间的关节常被视为薄弱环节，但这类海胆骨骼在现生和化石环境中均展现出极强的保存潜力。其壳（test）所具备的卓越强度，源于骨骼强化结构及其构造布局。本研究采用显微计算机断层扫描（micro-computed tomography）与扫描电子显微镜（scanning electron microscopy）技术，对该海胆骨骼开展微观结构与体积分析。研究显示，强化机制作用于从骨骼整体形态到微观骨骼联锁的不同层级。紧密贴合且相互联锁的板状关节，使得壳体呈现出整体式结构的力学行为。该板状结构的架构具备独特区域，被认为是一套高效的载荷传递系统。内部支撑系统适配剩余骨骼的分段结构，其缝合布局与骨间质（stereom）分布均为实现高效载荷传递而设计。对小棘海胆（Echinocyamus pusillus）的多板式整体骨骼开展结构分析，揭示了其微观形貌的全新特征，以及该结构与载荷承载行为的关联机制。本次研究解析的结构原理，使得小棘海胆可作为多构件轻质壳体结构开发的仿生原型。