Biomimetics: physiology augments engineering
May 9, 2014 at 2:00 pm
(This post was last modified: May 9, 2014 at 2:34 pm by Coffee Jesus.)
If you're a student that likes biology, engineering, or sustainability, this thread is for you.
Physiology
When physiology meets engineering, you get biomimetics.
Examples
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnBkbaFsZOY
By the way, the gecko adheres through van der Waals interactions. From my notes:
"Even if a molecule isn't charged or polar, the electrons don't have to be symmetrically distributed at all times, which means the molecule can temporarily become charged in one area. Although none of the molecules bond, these van der Waals interactions can make a group of molecules more cohesive. The gecko's super tiny split-end hairs maximize surface area so that many van der Waals interactions occur simultaneously."
More examples
https://www.chinadialogue.net/article/sh...d-turbines
In case the link ever breaks, the article is "Biomimicry: sharkskin ships and whale flipper wind turbines" by Leila Mulloy
Not only does biomimicry give us sustainable designs ideas, but awareness of the field will give a greater push to conservation efforts. We need to conserve nature's biological diversity because it is a source of inspiration that engineers are finally learning to draw upon.
More!!
Self-sealing tanks based on our own self-healing wounds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6qHY1H6piE
Physiology
Wikipedia - Biology #Physiology Wrote:Physiology studies the mechanical, physical, and biochemical processes of living organisms by attempting to understand how all of the structures function as a whole. The theme of "structure to function" is central to biology.
When physiology meets engineering, you get biomimetics.
Wikipedia - Biomimetics Wrote:Biomimetics or biomimicry is the imitation of the models, systems, and elements of nature for the purpose of solving complex human problems.
Examples
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnBkbaFsZOY
By the way, the gecko adheres through van der Waals interactions. From my notes:
"Even if a molecule isn't charged or polar, the electrons don't have to be symmetrically distributed at all times, which means the molecule can temporarily become charged in one area. Although none of the molecules bond, these van der Waals interactions can make a group of molecules more cohesive. The gecko's super tiny split-end hairs maximize surface area so that many van der Waals interactions occur simultaneously."
More examples
https://www.chinadialogue.net/article/sh...d-turbines
In case the link ever breaks, the article is "Biomimicry: sharkskin ships and whale flipper wind turbines" by Leila Mulloy
Not only does biomimicry give us sustainable designs ideas, but awareness of the field will give a greater push to conservation efforts. We need to conserve nature's biological diversity because it is a source of inspiration that engineers are finally learning to draw upon.
More!!
Self-sealing tanks based on our own self-healing wounds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6qHY1H6piE
