Organismal Design and Biomimetics: A Problem of Scale

Abstract

Organisms and their features represent a complex system of solutions that can efficiently inspire the development of original and cutting-edge design applications: the related discipline is known as biomimetics. From the smallest to the largest, every species has developed and adapted different working principles based on their relative dimensional realm. In nature, size changes determine remarkable effects in organismal structures, functions, and evolutionary innovations. Similarly, size and scaling rules need to be considered in the biomimetic transfer of solutions to different dimensions, from nature to artefacts. The observation of principles that occur at very small scales, such as for nano- and microstructures, can often be seen and transferred to a macroscopic scale. However, this transfer is not always possible; numerous biological structures lose their functionality when applied to different scale dimensions. Hence, the evaluation of the effects and changes in scaling biological working principles to the final design dimension is crucial for the success of any biomimetic transfer process. This review intends to provide biologists and designers with an overview regarding scale-related principles in organismal design and their application to technical projects regarding mechanics, optics, electricity, and acoustics.

Biomimetics Linked to Classical Product Development: An Interdisciplinary Endeavor to Develop a Technical Standard

“…Some of these challenges are: (1) Product designs are based on human-made decisions, whereas biological solutions result from evolution. Thus, structural and functional solutions in organisms have design constraints, such as phylogenetic, functional, morphogenetic, and environmental limitations [ 32 ]. (2) During the biomimetic working process, the transferability and scalability of the biological model have to be analyzed [ 33 , 34 ].…”

“…(2) During the biomimetic working process, the transferability and scalability of the biological model have to be analyzed [ 33 , 34 ]. A body shape that might be advantageous at high Reynolds numbers might not be as efficient at low Reynolds numbers, given that here, viscous forces instead of inertial forces are dominating [ 32 ]. (3) Multifunctionality in biological systems might hinder the extraction of a single desired working principle [ 24 ], or biological principles might lose their functionality when applied to different scale dimensions [ 32 ].…”

“…A body shape that might be advantageous at high Reynolds numbers might not be as efficient at low Reynolds numbers, given that here, viscous forces instead of inertial forces are dominating [ 32 ]. (3) Multifunctionality in biological systems might hinder the extraction of a single desired working principle [ 24 ], or biological principles might lose their functionality when applied to different scale dimensions [ 32 ]. (4) On the technical side, feasibility might be limited through the current state of manufacturing processes, such as the production of hierarchically organized materials or dynamic, sensor-integrated systems.…”

Escaping the Labyrinth of Bioinspiration: Biodiversity as Key to Successful Product Innovation

“…Similarly, additive manufacturing is a promising approach to address scaling-a crucial and often overlooked aspect of bioinspiration-by allowing for the evaluation of scaling (size) effects on functional performance. [59] Lastly, but not least importantly, using additive manufacturing to produce physical models not only reduces the need to remove biological organisms from their environment or perform destructive testing on natural history specimens, but opens the doors for the discovery of novel functionalities in rare, endangered or extinct species. [60] Ultimately, additive manufacturing has the latent ability to advance our understanding of evolutionary adaptations and provide the means to address the contribution of evolutionary constraints that limit our current approach to bioinspiration.…”

Nature as a Source of Inspiration for the Structure of the Sydney Opera House

“…Size is an extremely influential factor, both in nature and in structural design. Therefore, the scale of things must be taken into consideration when trying to imitate natural designs [ 15 ].…”