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18 pages, 3002 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance Based Abstraction of Biomimicry Design Principles using Prototyping

by Erin Rovalo and John McCardle

Designs 2019, 3(3), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs3030038 - 16 Jul 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 8272

Abstract

A key challenge faced by biomimicry practitioners is making the conceptual leap between biology and design, particularly regarding collaborating across these knowledge domains and developing and evaluating design principles abstracted from biology. While many tools and resources to support biomimicry design exist, most [...] Read more.

A key challenge faced by biomimicry practitioners is making the conceptual leap between biology and design, particularly regarding collaborating across these knowledge domains and developing and evaluating design principles abstracted from biology. While many tools and resources to support biomimicry design exist, most largely rely on semantic techniques supporting analogical translation of information between biology and design. However, the challenges of evaluation and collaboration are common in design practice and frequently addressed through prototyping. This study explores the utility of prototyping in the unique context of biomimicry by investigating its impact on the abstraction and transfer of design principles derived from biology as well as on cross-domain collaboration between biologists and designers. Following a survey exploring current practices of practitioners, in depth interviews provided detailed accounts of project experiences that leveraged prototyping. Four primary themes were observed: (1) Approximation; (2) The Prototyping Principle; (3) Synthesis and Testing; and (4) Validation. These themes introduce a unique abstraction and transfer process based on form-finding and collaborative performance evaluation in contrast to the widely accepted semantic language-based approaches. Our findings illustrate how designers and engineers can leverage a prototyping skillset in order to develop boundary objects between the fields of biology and design to navigate challenges uniquely associated with the biomimicry approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biologically Inspired Design)

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20 pages, 4011 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Characterization of Biological Organization, Abstraction, and Novelty in Biomimetic Design

by Devesh Bhasin and Daniel A. McAdams

Designs 2018, 2(4), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs2040054 - 11 Dec 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5159

Abstract

Through billions of years of evolution, a latent record of successful and failed design practices has developed in nature. The endeavors to exploit this record have resulted in numerous successful products in various fields of engineering, including, but not limited to, networking, propulsion, [...] Read more.

Through billions of years of evolution, a latent record of successful and failed design practices has developed in nature. The endeavors to exploit this record have resulted in numerous successful products in various fields of engineering, including, but not limited to, networking, propulsion, surface engineering, and robotics. In this work, a study of existing biomimetic designs has been carried out by categorizing the designs according to the biological organizational level, the abstraction level, and a novelty measure. The criterion of novelty has been used as a partial measure of the quality of bio-inspired and biomimetic designs already introduced, or ready to be introduced to the market. Through this review and categorization, we recognize patterns in existing biomimetic and bio-inspired products by analyzing their cross-categorical distribution. Using the distribution, we identify the categories which yield novel bio-inspired designs. We also examine the distribution to identify less explored areas of bio-inspired design. Additionally, this study is a step forward in aiding the practitioners of biomimetics in identifying the categories which yield the highest novelty products in their area of interest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biologically Inspired Design)

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20 pages, 3540 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

E2BMO: Facilitating User Interaction with a BioMimetic Ontology via Semantic Translation and Interface Design

by Sarah J. McInerney, Banafsheh Khakipoor, Austin M. Garner, Thibaut Houette, Colleen K. Unsworth, Ariana Rupp, Nicholas Weiner, Julian F. V. Vincent, Jacquelyn K. S. Nagel and Peter H. Niewiarowski

Designs 2018, 2(4), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs2040053 - 30 Nov 2018

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5164

Abstract

Function is a key central concept to the practice of biomimicry. Many published models of the biomimicry process include steps to identify, understand, and translate function of biological systems. Examples include functional modeling, decomposition, or abstraction with tools specifically designed to facilitate such [...] Read more.

Function is a key central concept to the practice of biomimicry. Many published models of the biomimicry process include steps to identify, understand, and translate function of biological systems. Examples include functional modeling, decomposition, or abstraction with tools specifically designed to facilitate such steps. A functional approach to biomimicry yields a semantic bridge between biology and engineering, enabling practitioners from a variety of backgrounds to more easily communicate and collaborate in a biomimicry design process. Although analysis of function is likely a necessary part of biomimicry design, recent work suggests it is not sufficient without a more systematic understanding of the complex biological context in which a function exists (e.g., scale and trade-offs). Consequently, emerging tools such as ontologies are being developed that attempt to capture the intricacies of biological systems (including functions), such as their complex environmental and behavioral interactions. However, due to the complexity of such tools, they may be under-utilized. Here, we propose a solution through a computer-aided user interface tool which integrates a biomimetic ontology with a thesaurus-based functional approach to biomimicry. Through a proof of concept illustrative case study, we demonstrate how merging existing tools can facilitate the biomimicry process in a systematic and collaborative way, broadening solution discovery. This work offers an approach to making existing tools, specifically the BioMimetic Ontology, more accessible and encompassing of different perspectives via semantic translation and interface design. This provides the user with the opportunity to interface and extract information from both the Engineering-to-Biology Thesaurus and the BioMimetic Ontology in a way that was not possible before. The proposed E2BMO tool not only increases the accessibility of the BioMimetic Ontology, which ultimately aims to streamline engineers’ interaction with the bio-inspired design process, but also provides an option for practitioners to traverse biological knowledge along the way, encouraging greater interdisciplinary collaboration and consideration when conducting biomimicry research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biologically Inspired Design)

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18 pages, 1786 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Establishing Analogy Categories for Bio-Inspired Design

by Jacquelyn K.S. Nagel, Linda Schmidt and Werner Born

Designs 2018, 2(4), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs2040047 - 20 Nov 2018

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6865

Abstract

Biological systems have evolved over billions of years and cope with changing conditions through the adaptation of morphology, physiology, or behavior. Learning from these adaptations can inspire engineering innovation. Several bio-inspired design tools and methods prescribe the use of analogies, but lack details [...] Read more.

Biological systems have evolved over billions of years and cope with changing conditions through the adaptation of morphology, physiology, or behavior. Learning from these adaptations can inspire engineering innovation. Several bio-inspired design tools and methods prescribe the use of analogies, but lack details for the identification and application of promising analogies. Further, inexperienced designers tend to have a more difficult time recognizing or creating analogies from biological systems. This paper reviews biomimicry literature to establish analogy categories as a tool for knowledge transfer between biology and engineering to aid bio-inspired design that addresses the common issues. Two studies were performed with the analogy categories. A study of commercialized products verifies the set of categories, while a controlled design study demonstrates the utility of the categories. The results of both studies offer valuable information and insights into the complexity of analogical reasoning and transfer, as well as what leads to biological inspiration versus imitation. The influence on bio-inspired design pedagogy is also discussed. The breadth of the analogy categories is sufficient to capture the knowledge transferred from biology to engineering for bio-inspired design. The analogy categories are a design method independent tool and are applicable for professional product design, research, and teaching purposes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biologically Inspired Design)

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17 pages, 6062 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parametric Analysis of a Spiraled Shell: Learning from Nature’s Adaptable Structures

by Diana A. Chen, Brandon E. Ross and Leidy E. Klotz

Designs 2018, 2(4), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs2040046 - 13 Nov 2018

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 7700

Abstract

In our current building design philosophy, structural design is based on static predictions of the loads a building will need to withstand and the services it will need to provide. However, one study found that 60% of all buildings are demolished due to [...] Read more.

In our current building design philosophy, structural design is based on static predictions of the loads a building will need to withstand and the services it will need to provide. However, one study found that 60% of all buildings are demolished due to obsolescence. To combat our obsolescence-demolition culture, we turn to Nature for lessons about adaptable structural design. In this paper, we investigate the structural adaptability of the T. terebra spiraled turret shell through finite element modeling and parametric studies. The shell is able to change its structure over time to meet changing performance demands—a feat of adaptability that could transform our current infrastructure design. Modeling the shell’s growth process is an early and simple attempt at characterizing adaptability. As the mollusk deposits material overtime, its shell wall thickness changes, and its number of whorls increases. We designed parametric studies around these two modes of growth and investigated their effect on structural integrity and living convenience for the mollusk. By drawing parallels between the shell structure and human structures, we demonstrate connections between engineering challenges and Nature’s solutions. We encourage readers to consider biomimicry as a source of inspiration for their own quantitative studies for a more sustainable world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biologically Inspired Design)

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13 pages, 219 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomimicry: Do Frames of Inquiry Support Search and Identification of Biological Models?

by Emily B. Kennedy and Peter H. Niewiarowski

Designs 2018, 2(3), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs2030027 - 30 Jul 2018

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4334

Abstract

A crucial step in the biomimicry process is the search and identification of biological models relevant to the design challenge. Anecdotal observations from case studies in authentic business contexts, as well as emerging literature on biomimicry methods, suggest that tools, which focus the [...] Read more.

A crucial step in the biomimicry process is the search and identification of biological models relevant to the design challenge. Anecdotal observations from case studies in authentic business contexts, as well as emerging literature on biomimicry methods, suggest that tools, which focus the search for biological models, could help research and development (R&D) professionals execute this step more effectively. We prototyped one such tool, a set of four frames of inquiry, to test whether it helped R&D professionals identify a greater quantity and variety of biological models. The tool we prototyped did not significantly improve biological model identification; however, its use was associated with a trend of higher quantity and variety of biological models. Our study, as well as previous work, both empirical and theoretical, suggests that tools, like ours, could improve the search and identification of biological models. We encourage further tests using larger samples sizes and/or conditions that maximize potential effect sizes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biologically Inspired Design)

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Review

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31 pages, 33489 KiB

Open AccessReview

Classification and Selection of Cellular Materials in Mechanical Design: Engineering and Biomimetic Approaches

by Dhruv Bhate, Clint A. Penick, Lara A. Ferry and Christine Lee

Designs 2019, 3(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs3010019 - 19 Mar 2019

Cited by 101 | Viewed by 14948

Abstract

Recent developments in design and manufacturing have greatly expanded the design space for functional part production by enabling control of structural details at small scales to inform behavior at the whole-structure level. This can be achieved with cellular materials, such as honeycombs, foams [...] Read more.

Recent developments in design and manufacturing have greatly expanded the design space for functional part production by enabling control of structural details at small scales to inform behavior at the whole-structure level. This can be achieved with cellular materials, such as honeycombs, foams and lattices. Designing structures with cellular materials involves answering an important question: What is the optimum unit cell for the application of interest? There is currently no classification framework that describes the spectrum of cellular materials, and no methodology to guide the designer in selecting among the infinite list of possibilities. In this paper, we first review traditional engineering methods currently in use for selecting cellular materials in design. We then develop a classification scheme for the different types of cellular materials, dividing them into three levels of design decisions: tessellation, element type and connectivity. We demonstrate how a biomimetic approach helps a designer make decisions at all three levels. The scope of this paper is limited to the structural domain, but the methodology developed here can be extended to the design of components in thermal, fluid, optical and other areas. A deeper purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how traditional methods in design can be combined with a biomimetic approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biologically Inspired Design)

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Other

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47 pages, 21502 KiB

Open AccessConcept Paper

PeTaL (Periodic Table of Life) and Physiomimetics

by Vikram Shyam, Lauren Friend, Brian Whiteaker, Nicholas Bense, Jonathan Dowdall, Bishoy Boktor, Manju Johny, Isaias Reyes, Angeera Naser, Nikhitha Sakhamuri, Victoria Kravets, Alexandra Calvin, Kaylee Gabus, Delonte Goodman, Herbert Schilling, Calvin Robinson, Robert Omar Reid II and Colleen Unsworth

Designs 2019, 3(3), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/designs3030043 - 14 Aug 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 10262

Abstract

The Periodic Table of Life (PeTaL) is a system design tool and open source framework that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to aid in the systematic inquiry of nature for its application to human systems. This paper defines PeTaL’s architecture and workflow. Biomimicry, biophysics, [...] Read more.

The Periodic Table of Life (PeTaL) is a system design tool and open source framework that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to aid in the systematic inquiry of nature for its application to human systems. This paper defines PeTaL’s architecture and workflow. Biomimicry, biophysics, biomimetics, bionics and numerous other terms refer to the use of biology and biological principles to inform practices in other disciplines. For the most part, the domain of inquiry in these fields has been confined to extant biological models with the proponents of biomimicry often citing the evolutionary success of extant organisms relative to extinct ones. An objective of this paper is to expand the domain of inquiry for human processes that seek to model those that are, were or could be found in nature with examples that relate to the field of aerospace and to spur development of tools that can work together to accelerate the use of artificial intelligence, topology optimization and conventional modeling in problem solving. Specifically, specialized fields such as paleomimesis, anthropomimesis and physioteleology are proposed in conjunction with artificial evolution. The overarching philosophy outlined here can be thought of as physiomimetics, a holistic and systematic way of learning from natural history. The backbone of PeTaL integrates an unstructured database with an ontological model consisting of function, morphology, environment, state of matter and ecosystem. Tools that support PeTaL include machine learning, natural language processing and computer vision. Applications of PeTaL include guiding human space exploration, understanding human and geological history, and discovering new or extinct life. Also discussed is the formation of V.I.N.E. (Virtual Interchange for Nature-inspired Exploration), a virtual collaborative aimed at generating data, research and applications centered on nature. Details of implementation will be presented in subsequent publications. Recommendations for future work are also presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biologically Inspired Design)

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