BIOMIMICRY by Wardina Syafiah Ismail

2074853 — 2023-06-23 14:30:54 UTC

WE ARE PART OF NATURE <3

Water-resistant Materials: Lotus leaves' water-resistant qualities served as a model for the creation of water-resistant materials, such as waterproof textiles or coatings.Lotus leaves have microscale features that prevent water droplets from sticking to the surface, resulting in water resistance and self-cleaning.

Other examples
Airplane Wings: The structure and form of bird wings have had an impact on the design of aircraft wings.Engineers have enhanced wing designs for effective lift, less drag, and increased flying performance by studying the aerodynamic characteristics of birds.

2074853 — 2023-06-24 01:09:19 UTC

FUNCTION AND STRATEGY (an Elephant)

Question: How do animals like elephants benefit from their large ears for cooling?

Hypothesis: The large ears may facilitate heat dissipation by increasing the surface area available for heat exchange with the environment, therefore helping to regulate body temperature and prevent overheating.

Possible technological application: Building cooling system. By incorporating design elements that allow for natural airflow, such as strategic window placements, vents, or chimney-like structures, the cooling system can harness natural ventilation principles.

2074853 — 2023-06-24 02:52:36 UTC

BIOMIMICRY AND BIO-INSPIRED DESIGN

Bio-inspired Air Conditioning Systems
Compared with traditional air conditioning systems, the traditional air conditioning systems require a lot of energy, which raises the demand for power and increases greenhouse gas emissions.

Example: Termite-inspired cooling
These systems use heat exchange and natural airflow to cool buildings without the need of costly air conditioning.They incorporate ventilation and architecture with termite mound design principles for efficient cooling, lowering energy use and carbon emissions.
Other examples: Plant-inspired cooling and Evaporative cooling

Sustainable Implications

Energy Efficient: Bio-inspired air conditioning systems aim to consume less energy compared to conventional methods. By utilizing natural ventilation, heat exchange, or evaporative cooling, these systems can significantly reduce power consumption and carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Lifecycle Analysis: Considering the environmental impact throughout the entire lifecycle of bio-inspired air conditioning systems is crucial. This analysis includes factors such as materials sourcing, manufacturing processes, installation, maintenance, and end-of-life disposal or recycling. Assessing these aspects ensures the overall sustainability of the technology.

Ethical Implications

Social Equity: It's vital to ensure to that everyone has access to cooling technologies, especially in areas that are experiencing heat waves or don't have access to conventional air conditioning.Examining these systems' accessibility, affordability, and inclusion can help reduce social inequalities and advance social well-being.
Local Environmental Impact: Environmental impact local ecosystems should be carefully considered before Bio-Inspired Cooling Technologies are implemented. Designing systems that cause the least amount of damage to local wildlife, plants, and ecosystems promotes biodiversity and protects ecological integrity.

2074853 — 2023-06-24 03:13:48 UTC

MATTERS OR SCALE

Example: Self-healing Materials inspired by the healing abilities of living organisms (Self healing concrete)

Form: Self-healing concrete is similar in composition to traditional concrete, with the addition of healing agents and micro-capsules.

Process: The concrete contains micro-capsules filled with a healing agent, such as bacteria or polymers.

Self-healing concrete contains micro-capsules that rupture when cracks form, releasing a healing agent. The agent reacts with air or water to fill the crack, restoring the concrete's integrity. It can also heal future cracks over time.

To become more biomimetic at the systems level:-
Sustainability Implications: It is important to take into account how the self-healing concrete system will affect sustainability over the course of its whole existence.Utilizing eco-friendly healing agents, optimizing material sourcing and manufacture of materials, and ensuring proper recycling or end-of-life disposal are all examples of this.