13: Biomimetics: Learning from nature for technical innovations
Biomimetics (bionics) deals with the analysis and systematic transfer of constructional principles and problem solving strategies of nature into technical applications. Plants and animals have increasingly turned out to be a treasure trove of bio-inspired technical innovations with a diversity developed in the evolutionary process over the last 3.8 billion years and millions of test runs under highly selective constraints. Biomimetics is never a blue-print from nature, but represents a creative new-invention inspired by biological concept generators. The seminar will explore the potential of biomimetics for innovative technical products and discuss process sequences for a successful transfer of ideas in biomimetic projects. In addition to theoretical considerations this will be exemplified with examples from the fields of biomimetic materials & structures, surfaces and architecture. The main topics of the seminar are:
1) Introduction: What is biomimetics?
2) What, why and how can we learn from nature for technical innovations?
Process sequences in biomimetic R&D-projects: how to achieve a successful transfer from biological template to technical product.
3) Fibres and fibre-reinforced materials in biology and technical applications.
Hierarchical structuring and interphases in biological and bio-inspired materials.
4) Self-x-materials: self-healing and self-adaptability: characteristics of living organisms and a technological challenge.
5) Biological and bio-inspired surfaces: what can we learn from natural functionalised surfaces (Lotus-Effect®, Velcro®, shark-skin-effect, antifouling, adhesive and anti-adhesive surfaces).
6) Folds and kinks: stabilising and functionalising by structural shape.
Packing and unpacking in biology as concept generator for technical packaging
| |||||
|
Ph.D. George JERONIMIDIS
Professor emeritus of Composite Materials Engineering, School of Construction Management and Engineering, University of Reading
| 1970-1972 | Scientific Officer, LTPR-CNR, Naples, Italy |
| 1972-1977 | Research Fellow, Department of Engineering, Reading University |
| 1977-1979 | Leverhulme Research Fellow, Reading University |
| 1979-1989 | Lecturer, Department of Engineering, Reading University |
| 1989-1995 | Senior Lecturer, Department of Engineering, Reading University |
| 1995-2010 | Professor of Composite Materials Engineering, SCME, Reading University. Emeritus Professor from April 1, 2010 |
| since 2009 | Studio Master, AA School of Architecture, London |
Dr. Thomas SPECK
Professor for Functional Morphology and Biomechanics; Director, Botanic Garden, Plant Biomechanics Group, University of Freiburg
| 1978-1986 | Studium der Biologie, Universität Freiburg |
| 1986 | Diplom in Biologie, Thema aus dem Grenzbereich Biophysik - Paläobotanik, Universität Freiburg |
| 1986-1990 | Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter, DFG-Projekt zur biomechanischen Analyse fossiler Pflanzen |
| 1990 | Promotion in Biologie, Titel der Dissertation: Biomechanische Untersuchungen an aufrechten Pflanzenachsen unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der frühen "Gefäß"-Landpflanzen, Universität |
| Freiburg | |
| 1990-1993 | Wissenschaftlicher Angestellter, Fachbereich Pflanzensystematik und Paläobotanik, Fakultät für Biologie, Universität Freiburg |
| 1993-1999 | Hochschulassistent, Botanischer Garten der Universität Freiburg |
| 1996 | Habilitation and venia legendi für Botanik & Biophysik, Titel der Habilitationsschrift: Eine funktionell- biomechanische Analyse von Achsenstruktur und Wuchsform rezenter und fossiler Pflanzen |
| WS 99/00 Gastprofessor, Formal- und Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät, Universität Wien | |
| 2000-2002 | Hochschuldozent, Botanik und Biophysik, Universität Freiburg |
| 2001 | Berufung an die Humboldt-Universität Berlin auf eine Professur für Paläobotanik verbunden mit der Leitung der Abteilung für Paläobotanik am Naturkunde Museum Berlin |
| Berufung an die Fakultät für Biologie der Albert-Ludwig-Universität Freiburg | |
| 2002-2006 | C3-Professor, "Funktionelle Morphologie und Biomechanik" und Direktor, Botanischer Gartens der Universität Freiburg |
| 2006 | Berufung als Leitender Direktor, Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin-Dahlem, W3-Professur für Pflanzensystematik und Pflanzengeographie, Freie Universität Berlin |
| seit 2006 | W3-Professor für "Botanik: Funktionelle Morphologie und Bionik" und Direktor des Botanischen Gartens der Universität Freiburg |
