Dr. Anette (Peko) Hosoi, Associate Professor of Mechanical
Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
3:00, Monday April 14th, L1205 Ford ES&T
ABSTRACT: Optimizing Low Reynolds Number Locomotion
In this talk I will discuss two optimization topics related to low
Reynolds number locomotion: optimal stroke patterns in linked swimmers
and optimal fluid material properties in adhesive locomotion.
In the first case, we begin by optimizing stroke patterns for
Purcell's 3-link swimmer modeled as a jointed chain of three slender
links moving in an inertialess flow. We then go on to investigate
uniflagellate and biflagellate organisms and compare the optimized
results to biological data. In the second case, we analyze adhesive
locomotion used by common gastropods such as snails and slugs.
Such organisms crawl on a solid substrate by propagating muscular waves
of shear stress on a viscoelastic mucus. Using a simple mechanical model,
we derive criteria for favorable fluid material properties to lower
the energetic cost of locomotion.
Watch "World in Motion, 2006" at:
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Dr Peter Vukusic, School of Physics, University of Exeter Evolutionary photonics: new designs inspiration Abstract: Diverse designs of naturally evolved nano-scale periodicity are known to generate optical functionality in the living world.
David Oakey : founder of David Oakey Designs,
leads global efforts in sustainable or "smart design" and
biomimicry. Oakey challenges industrial designers, architects,
teachers and students to take action and impact change
today. Sustainable design must be innovative utilizing
efficient use of materials, seeking smart products,
and eliminating waste in the process. Respecting the
Future is the conscious choice of systems thinking,
recognizing how design impacts the world during and
after its life cycle.
Consider his interview at:
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An amazing international gathering of scientists and engineers in the Spring of 2006 at Georgia Tech revealed fascinating research projects from the bio-design for aquatic propulsion, to the homeostasis of termite mounds, to the biomimetic fibers of orb-weaving spiders. image: BIOKON - Germany
"Hawken (The Ecology of Commerce) and Amory and Hunter Lovins of the Rocky Mountain Institute, an environmental think tank, have put together an ambitious, visionary monster of a book advocating "natural capitalism." From Publishers Weekly
...much of the human search for a coherent and fullfilling existence is intimately connected tp our relationship with nature.
CBID is an interdisciplinary center for research and development of design solutions that occur in biological processes. Founded in 2005, It is one of more than 100 interdisciplinary research units funded at Georgia Institute of Technology