Wild engineers

How Airbus cut 1,000 kilos of weight from each A380 airplane, making them stronger in the process, by learning from bone structures. Function: Maximise strength with minimal material Biological model: Trabecular bone Engineering translation: Topology optimisation in aircraft structures Sources / further reading • Elelwi M, Botez RM, Dao TM. Structural Sizing and Topology Optimization Based on Weig...

How Banksia shrubs inspired researchers to develop a solution where pine wood resists ignition even at 1008C. Function: Protect from fire Biological model: Oldman Banksia (Banksia serrata) follicles Engineering translation: Heat-activated self-sealing material concepts tested at the Max Planck Institute Sources / further reading • Australian Plants Society. Banksia serrata. https://share.google/qA...

How Kingfisher’s beaks changed the way we design fast trains cutting noise by up to 15 decibels. Function: Reduce acoustic impact Biological model: Kingfisher beak Engineering translation: Shinkansen bullet train nose redesign Sources / further reading • Biomimicry Institute. Kingfisher-inspired Shinkansen design. https://share.google/mzcDAhsClBNQKl8pV • Crandell KE, Howe RO, Falkingham PL. Repeat...

Discover how termites inspired an 82% drop in electricity use in the Australian-based CH2 building by designing smart chimneys just like termites. Function: Regulate temperature Biological model: African termite mounds Engineering translation: CH2 (Council House 2), Melbourne Sources / further reading • Arup. Biomimicry and the Built Environment. 2013. https://share.google/kBObCUIJzVvhhv95N • City...