INTER- DISCIPLINARY RESEARCH BASED EXERCISE-1

BIOMIMICRY AND DESIGNING IN NATURE

Name: Jasmeh Kaur
Date: 20.6.2025

Introduction
Biomimicry is the practice of learning from and mimicking nature's designs and processes to solve
human problems. By studying the natural world, we can gain inspiration for innovative solutions to
challenges in engineering, architecture, materials science, and many other fields.

Exercise 1: Nature's Ingenious Designs

Identify the biological inspiration for the following human-made designs:

Velcro

● Biological inspiration: Burrs (cocklebur) from burdock plants

● How this mimicry works: In 1941, Swiss engineer Georges de Mestral noticed burrs
clinging to his dog's fur. Under a microscope, he saw tiny hooks on the burrs that latched onto
loops in the fabric. This led to the hook-and-loop fastener we now know as Velcro.

Bullet Train

● Biological inspiration: Kingfisher bird’s beak

● How this mimicry improves efficiency: Engineers redesigned the nose of Japan’s
Shinkansen (bullet train) based on the kingfisher’s streamlined beak, allowing the bird to dive
into water with minimal splash. The result? A ~15% reduction in energy use, 10% higher
speed, and much quieter tunnel exits.

Lotus Effect

● Biological inspiration: Lotus leaf

● How this principle is used in technology: Lotus leaves have microscopic, wax-coated
bumps that repel water and dirt. This self-cleaning “lotus effect” is now widely applied to
coatings, paints, textiles, and glass for hydrophobic (water-repelling) and dirt-resistant
surfaces.

Shark Skin

● Biological inspiration: Shark dermal denticles

● How this mimicry reduces drag: Sharks’ skin is covered in tiny tooth-like scales called
dermal denticles. These structures disrupt water flow, cutting drag and minimizing
turbulence. Bio-inspired surfaces—such as some high-tech swimsuits and antibacterial
coatings—mimic this texture to improve hydrodynamics and reduce microbial growth.

EXERCISE 2: NATURE'S PROBLEM-SOLVING

1.Gecko's Adhesive Toes
How it works:
Geckos climb walls using millions of microscopic hairs—called setae—that branch into even tinier
spatulae. These structures exploit van der Waals forces for strong, reversible adhesion .
Human technology application:

● Nano-tape (gecko tape): Synthetic adhesives use carbon nanotube arrays to mimic gecko
feet—no glue needed, residue-free, reusable, and self-cleaning .
● Robotic grippers & wall-climbing robots: Implemented in space, rescue robots, and
microelectronics assembly.

2.Spider Silk
How it works:
Spider silk is exceptionally strong, flexible, and biodegradable, owing to its unique hierarchical
protein structure .
Potential applications:

● Biomedicine: Biodegradable sutures, tissue scaffolds, nerve/ligament repair.

● Ballistic protection & textiles: Lightweight, high-strength fibers for bulletproof vests, ropes,
and parachutes).
● Optical & biofabrication uses: Spider-silk superlenses, hydrogels, cell scaffolds for organs).

3. Whale Fluke (Humpback Whale Flippers)

How it works:
Humpback whales have leading-edge tubercles (bumps) on their flippers that enhance lift, delay stall,
and reduce drag.
Wind turbine application:

● Turbine blades with tubercles: These can boost energy output by ~20–25%, enable
operation at lower wind speeds, reduce noise and stall risk .
● Also effective for marine turbines, fan blades, and aircraft wings.

4.Bird Wings
How it works:
Birds morph their wing shape—adjusting surface area, camber, twist—to efficiently fly in changing
conditions. Kestrels hover by adjusting wing area, not flapping .
Bio-inspired flight tech:

● Morphing drones & ornithopters: Artificial wings mimc feathers for adaptive lift and roll
control—e.g., Festo SmartBird, EPFL morphing-wing drones with 11.5% energy savings.
● Adaptive compliant wings in aircraft: Flexible, gap-free wings that change shape smoothly
to optimize aerodynamics, reducing drag and improving efficiency.

EXERCISE 3: BIOMIMICRY IN ACTION

Biological Inspiration: Kingfisher Beak

Kingfishers dive from air into water at speeds up to 40 km/h, yet create almost no splash. This is due
to their long, narrow, conical beaks that gradually increase in cross-section, allowing smooth pressure
transition and minimal drag when passing between air and water .

Human-Made Design: Shinkansen Nose

 ● Engineers & Timeline
Led by Eiji Nakatsu, JR-West’s chief engineer and avid birdwatcher, the 500 Series
Shinkansen (introduced in 1997) was the first to adopt a kingfisher-inspired nose shape.
● Design Features
○ Elongated Parabolic Profile: Mimics the beak’s taper for smooth airflow.
○ Wind-Tunnel Validation: Scale-model tests at Kyushu University refined the
curvature to eliminate tunnel “sonic booms.”
○ Integration: The steel–aluminum composite nose integrates seamlessly with the
train’s structural and crash-safety requirements .
● Function
○ Pressure Mitigation: As the train enters a tunnel, the gradual taper prevents a sudden
build-up of air pressure, avoiding the loud “boom” at the exit.
○ Aerodynamic Performance: Reduces drag, enabling higher speeds and lower energy
use.

Benefits & Challenges

Benefits Details

Noise Reduction Eliminated tunnel booms, keeping exit noise under 70 dB and improving
communities’ quality of life .

Energy Efficiency 15 % lower electricity consumption at 300 km/h speeds, reducing

operational costs and carbon footprint .

Speed Increase 10 % higher top speed (from ~300 to ~330 km/h) without additional power
demand.

Passenger Comfort Smoother ride with less aerodynamic buffeting; design meets stringent
& Safety crash-worthiness standards.

Sustainable Demonstrates nature-driven engineering, inspiring subsequent biomimetic

Innovation Model projects in aviation and wind-turbine design.

Challenges Details

Complex Design Required advanced CFD simulations, iterative prototyping, and precision
Process manufacturing of the parabolic nose section.

Higher Upfront Initial tooling and wind-tunnel expenses were significant, though amortized
Costs over decades of service.

Context-Specific Optimal for high-speed, tunnel-rich rail networks; benefits diminish in open-
Application air or lower-speed contexts.

Maintenance & Nose geometry demands specialized inspection routines to ensure

Inspection aerodynamic integrity over time.
4. Visual Aids Explanation

1. Kingfisher Beak in Action

The first image shows a kingfisher just before it dives—its streamlined, long, and tapering
beak cuts through air and water effortlessly. This is the natural template for the Shinkansen
nose.
2. Shinkansen 500 Series Nose
The second image depicts the distinct elongated, parabolic nose of the 500 Series Shinkansen.
Notice its smooth curve—this shape is directly inspired by the kingfisher’s beak to reduce
tunnel boom and drag.

Conclusion
By emulating the kingfisher’s beak, the Shinkansen achieved a quieter, faster, and more energy-
efficient design—an emblematic success of biomimicry. While the approach demanded complex
engineering and higher initial investment, the lifetime benefits in performance and sustainability
underscore the value of learning from nature’s time-tested solutions.

CREATIVE CHALLENGE: BIO-INSPIRED DESIGN

MossMat – A Bio-Inspired Indoor Humidity Regulator

Problem Addressed (Human Need):

Many indoor environments suffer from unbalanced humidity levels. Air that's too dry can cause
respiratory issues, skin problems, and damage to wooden furniture. High humidity, on the other
hand, promotes mold, discomfort, and electronic malfunction. Most solutions
(humidifiers/dehumidifiers) consume electricity and require constant maintenance.

Biological Inspiration:
Sphagnum moss, found in peat bogs, can retain large amounts of water (up to 20 times its weight!)
and release it slowly based on environmental moisture levels. It naturally maintains a moist
environment for the entire ecosystem, without needing any power source.
Innovative and Sustainable Design:
MossMat is a modular indoor panel made of bio-engineered moss-based fibers.
It acts as:

● A humidifier when the air is dry (releases stored moisture).

● A dehumidifier when the air is moist (absorbs excess humidity).

It is:

● Power-free – No electricity needed.

● Self-sustaining – Infused with beneficial microbes that prevent mold.
● Modular – You can tile multiple mats together like decorative panels.
● Eco-friendly – Made from biodegradable, sustainable materials.

Sketch of the MossMat Design:

INTER- DISCIPLINARY RESEARCH BASED EXERCISE-2

DESIGNING IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM: NATURE'S INGENIOUS DESIGNS

Name: Jasmeh Kaur

Date:20.06.2-25

Introduction:
The animal kingdom is a treasure trove of innovative designs, honed over millions of years of
evolution. By studying the intricate structures and behaviors of animals, we can gain valuable insights
into the principles of design and engineering. In this worksheet, we will explore some of the most
fascinating examples of biomimicry and how they have inspired human innovation.

Exercise 1: Nature's Masterpieces

1.The Hummingbird’s Wing

What makes it unique?
Hummingbird wings beat incredibly fast (~53 times/sec) and feature a ball-and-socket shoulder joint,
allowing 180° rotation. This enables rapid wing strokes, precise hovering, and agility in forward,
backward, and lateral flight.
Inspiring engineering:

● Micro-drone rotor design: Mimicking the wing's extreme frequency and rotational flexibility
could lead to highly maneuverable drones for search & rescue or surveillance.
● Adaptive turbine blades: The ball-and-socket motion suggests variable-pitch rotor systems
that adjust automatically to wind speed changes, boosting energy efficiency and stability.

2.The Shark’s Skin

Function of riblet pattern:

Shark skins are covered with placoid scales that form riblets—micro-grooves aligned with water flow.
These riblets push vortices away from the surface, reducing drag and turbulence by ~10%, and also
hinder biofouling.
Human-made applications:

● Hydrodynamic coatings for ship hulls, swimsuits, and aircraft surfaces to reduce fuel
consumption and drag.
● Sharklet antimicrobial films for hospitals, lowering bacterial adhesion by ~85% without
chemicals.

3.The Owl’s Eyes

What makes them effective at night vision?

Owls have very large corneas and pupils relative to eye size, maximizing light intake. Their retinas
feature a high density of rod cells for low-light sensitivity and a specialized reflective “tapetum
lucidum” layer that amplifies light .
Inspired optical technology:

● Low-light camera systems and surveillance cameras can integrate lens geometries and
reflective layers to enhance nighttime imaging.
● Adaptive night-vision goggles: Variable-aperture designs that mimic pupil dilation improve
performance across lighting conditions.

4.The Spider’s Silk

Extraordinary properties:
Spider silk—especially dragline silk—is stronger than steel by weight, highly elastic (can stretch ~5×,
or up to 7.5× for some species), biocompatible, and self-healing. It also stiffens upon stress, allowing
selective breakage for durability .
Potential applications:

● Medical fields: Biodegradable sutures, wound scaffolds, nerve and ligament repair,
antimicrobial dressings, and tissue scaffolds for bone/cartilage regeneration.
● Textiles & defense: Lightweight body armor, parachutes, and high-performance sportswear—
already in products like Adidas’s spider-silk shoes .
● Advanced materials: Optical super-lenses, hydrogels, biodrones, and composite materials for
aerospace and environmental uses .
 Exercise 2: Biomimicry in Action

Biomimetic Design Report: Velcro Inspired by Burdock Seeds

1. Biological Inspiration: Burdock Burrs

● Organism: Burdock plants (genus Arctium) produce seed pods covered in tiny hooked spines
(“burrs”).
● Mechanism: Each burr has dozens of microscopic hooks that latch onto loops in animal fur
or fabric. As animals move, the hooks cling, transporting seeds away from the parent plant.

2. Human-Made Design: Velcro Hook-and-Loop Fastener

● Inventor: Swiss engineer Georges de Mestral, 1941.

● Structure:
○ Hook side: A strip of rigid synthetic fibers molded into tiny hooks.
○ Loop side: A softer strip woven into small loops.
● Function: Press hooks into loops to create a strong, reversible bond. Pull apart to disengage
without residue or damage. Used in clothing, shoes, cable management, aerospace, medical
devices, and more.

3. Benefits

● Ease of Use: Quick fastening and unfastening—ideal for children’s wear, adaptive clothing,
and equipment that must open/close frequently.
● Versatility: Works across scales (tiny micro-Velcro in electronics, large hook-and-loop straps
for cargo).
 ● Durability: Tens of thousands of attach/detach cycles with minimal loss of grip.
● Safety & Accessibility: No sharp edges or small parts—safer for medical and orthopedic
applications (e.g., adjustable braces, blood-pressure cuffs).

4. Challenges & Limitations

● Noise: The ripping sound can be disruptive in quiet environments (e.g., theaters, classrooms).
● Debris Accumulation: Dirt, hair, or lint can clog hooks and loops over time, reducing grip.
● Weight & Thickness: Bulkier than some modern adhesives or zippers, limiting use in ultra-
light or ultra-sleek designs.
● Wear & Tear: Hook ends can break off, and loop material can mat down, requiring periodic
replacement.

Visual Comparison: Burdock Burrs and Velcro Mechanism

 Exercise 3: Design Challenge
Design Name: EarCool – Passive Cooling Panels Inspired by Elephant Ears
1. Human Need / Problem
In hot climates, people depend heavily on air conditioning, which:

● Consumes large amounts of electricity

● Increases environmental pollution
● Raises energy costs

There is a need for a passive, eco-friendly cooling system that does not rely on fossil fuels or
expensive equipment.

2. Biological Inspiration: Elephant Ears

● Elephants regulate body temperature using their large, thin ears, which are filled with a
network of blood vessels.
● By flapping their ears or exposing them to wind, they release heat efficiently.
● Their ears act as natural radiators, helping them stay cool even in extreme heat.

3. Bio-Inspired Product: EarCool Panels

EarCool is a system of thin, flexible cooling panels for walls or rooftops. These panels:

● Have embedded microchannels filled with water or a gel, mimicking blood vessels
● Are made of conductive and breathable materials that transfer heat out
● Use natural airflow (or optional solar fans) to speed up cooling
● Can flex or rotate slightly, like flapping ears, to improve heat dissipation

4. Innovation and Sustainability

● No electricity required for basic function

● Reduces indoor temperatures by 3–7°C passively
● Made from biodegradable or recyclable materials
● Perfect for low-income, rural, or off-grid homes
● Helps reduce dependence on air conditioners, lowering carbon footprint

Image Comparison: Biological Structure vs. Bio-Inspired Technology