Bionics slogan: "Nature knows best." What kind of science is this? The very name and such a motto make us understand that bionics is connected with nature. Many of us daily encounter the elements and results of the science of bionics without even knowing it.
Have you heard of the science of bionics?
Biology is a popular knowledge that we are introduced to at school. For some reason, many believe that bionics is one of the subsections of biology. In fact, this statement is not entirely accurate. Indeed, in the narrow sense of the word, bionics is a science that studies living organisms. But more often than not, we are accustomed to associate something else with this teaching. Applied bionics is a science that combines biology and technology.
Subject and object of bionic research
What does bionics study? To answer this question, we need to consider the structural division of the teaching itself.
Biological bionics explores nature as it is, without attempting to interfere. The object of its study are the processes occurring inside biological systems.
Theoretical bionics deals with the study of those principles that have been seen in nature, and on their basis creates a theoreticalmodel, further applied in technologies.
Practical (technical) bionics is the application of theoretical models in practice. So to speak, the practical introduction of nature into the technical world.
Where did it all start?
The great Leonardo da Vinci is called the father of bionics. In the records of this genius, one can find the first attempts at the technical embodiment of natural mechanisms. Da Vinci's drawings illustrate his desire to create an aircraft capable of moving its wings like a bird in flight. At one time, such ideas were too bold to be in demand. They drew attention to themselves much later.
The first to apply the principles of bionics in architecture was Antoni Gaudí y Curnet. His name is firmly imprinted in the history of this science. The architectural structures designed by the great Gaudi were impressive at the time of their construction, and they cause the same delight many years later among modern observers.
The next person who supported the idea of symbiosis of nature and technology was Rudolf Steiner. Under his leadership, the widespread use of bionic principles in the design of buildings began.
The establishment of bionics as an independent science happened only in 1960 at a scientific symposium in Daytona.
The development of computer technology and mathematical modeling allow modern architects to embody the clues of nature much faster and with greater accuracy in architecture and other industries.
Natural prototypes of technical inventions
Easiestan example of the manifestation of the science of bionics is the invention of hinges. A familiar mount based on the principle of rotation of one part of the structure around another. This principle is used by seashells in order to control their two wings and, if necessary, open or close them. Pacific giant cockles reach sizes of 15-20 cm. The hinge principle in connecting their shells is clearly visible to the naked eye. Small representatives of this species use the same method of fixing the valves.
In everyday life we often use a variety of tweezers. The sharp and tick-like beak of the godwit becomes a natural analogue of such a device. These birds use a thin beak to stick it into soft soil and take out small beetles, worms, etc.
Many modern devices and devices are equipped with suction cups. For example, they are used to improve the design of the legs of various kitchen appliances in order to prevent them from slipping during operation. Also, special shoes for window cleaners of high-rise buildings are equipped with suction cups to ensure their safe fixation. This simple device is also borrowed from nature. The tree frog, having suckers on its feet, unusually deftly keeps on smooth and slippery leaves of plants, and the octopus needs them for close contact with its victims.
You can find many such examples. Bionics is exactly the science that helps a person to borrow technical solutions from nature for his inventions.
Who is the first - nature orpeople?
Sometimes it happens that this or that invention of mankind has long been "patented" by nature. That is, inventors, when creating something, do not copy, but come up with a technology or a principle of operation themselves, and later it turns out that this has existed in nature for a long time, and one could simply peep and adopt.
This happened with the usual Velcro, which is used by a person to fasten clothes. It has been proven that in the structure of bird feathers, hooks are also used to connect thin beards to each other, similar to those found on Velcro.
In the structure of factory pipes there is an analogy with the hollow stems of cereals. The longitudinal reinforcement used in the pipes is similar to the sclerenchyma bands in the stem. Steel stiffening rings - interstices. The thin skin on the outside of the stem is an analogue of spiral reinforcement in the structure of pipes. Despite the colossal similarity of the structure, scientists independently invented just such a method of building factory pipes, and only later saw the identity of such a structure with natural elements.
Bionics and medicine
The use of bionics in medicine makes it possible to save the lives of many patients. Incessantly, work is underway to create artificial organs that can function in symbiosis with the human body.
Dane Dennis Aabo was the first to test a bionic prosthesis. He lost half of his arm, but now he has the ability to perceive objects by touch using the invention of physicians. His prosthesisconnected to the nerve endings of the affected limb. Artificial finger sensors are able to collect information about touching objects and transmit it to the brain. The design has not yet been finalized at the moment, it is very bulky, which makes it difficult to use it in everyday life, but even now this technology can be called a real discovery.
All research in this direction is entirely based on copying natural processes and mechanisms and their technical implementation. This is medical bionics. Reviews of scientists say that soon their works will make it possible to change worn-out living human organs and use mechanical prototypes instead. This will truly be the greatest breakthrough in medicine.
Bionics in architecture
Architectural and building bionics is a special branch of bionic science, the task of which is the organic reunification of architecture and nature. Recently, more and more often, when designing modern structures, they turn to bionic principles borrowed from living organisms.
Today architectural bionics has become a separate architectural style. It was born from a simple copying of forms, and now the task of this science has become to adopt the principles, organizational features and technically implement them.
Sometimes this architectural style is called eco-style. This is because the basic rules of bionics are:
- search for optimal solutions;
- principle of saving materials;
- principle of maximum sustainability;
- energy saving principle.
As you can see, bionics in architecture is not only impressive forms, but also advanced technologies that allow you to create a structure that meets modern requirements.
Characteristics of architectural bionic structures
Based on past experience in architecture and construction, we can say that all human structures are fragile and short-lived if they do not use the laws of nature. Bionic buildings, in addition to amazing shapes and bold architectural solutions, have durability, the ability to withstand adverse natural phenomena and cataclysms.
In the exterior of buildings built in this style, elements of reliefs, shapes, contours can be seen, skillfully copied by design engineers from living, natural objects and masterfully embodied by architects-builders.
If suddenly, when contemplating an architectural object, it seems that you are looking at a work of art, with a high probability you have a building in the bionic style. Examples of such structures can be seen in almost all capitals of countries and large technologically advanced cities of the world.
The construction of the new millennium
Back in the 90s, a Spanish team of architects created a building project based on a completely new concept. This is a 300-storey building, the height of which will exceed 1200 m. It is planned that the movement along this tower will take place with the help of four hundred vertical and horizontal elevators, the speed of which is 15 m/s. country,agreed to sponsor this project, was China. The most densely populated city, Shanghai, was chosen for construction. The implementation of the project will solve the demographic problem of the region.
The tower will have a fully bionic structure. Architects believe that only this can ensure the strength and durability of the structure. The prototype of the structure is a cypress tree. The architectural composition will have not only a cylindrical shape similar to a tree trunk, but also "roots" - a new kind of bionic foundation.
The outer covering of the building is a plastic and breathable material that imitates the bark of a tree. The air conditioning system of this vertical city will be analogous to the heat-regulating function of the skin.
According to the forecasts of scientists and architects, such a building will not remain the only one of its kind. After successful implementation, the number of bionic structures in the architecture of the planet will only increase.
Bionic buildings around us
In what famous creations was the science of bionics used? Examples of such structures are easy to find. Take at least the process of creating the Eiffel Tower. For a long time there were rumors that this 300-meter symbol of France was built according to the drawings of an unknown Arab engineer. Later, its complete analogy with the structure of the human tibia was revealed.
In addition to the Eiffel Tower, there are many examples of bionic structures all over the world:
- The Sydney Opera House was built similarly to a lotus flower.
- BeijingNational Opera House - imitation of a water drop.
- Swimming complex in Beijing. Outwardly, it repeats the crystal structure of the water lattice. An amazing design solution combines the useful ability of the structure to accumulate solar energy and then use it to power all electrical appliances operating in the building.
- The Aqua skyscraper looks like a stream of falling water. Located in Chicago.
- The house of the founder of architectural bionics, Antoni Gaudí, is one of the first bionic structures. Until today, it has retained its aesthetic value and remains one of the most popular tourist sites in Barcelona.
Knowledge everyone needs
Summing up, we can safely say: everything that bionics studies is relevant and necessary for the development of modern society. Everyone should become familiar with the scientific principles of bionics. Without this science, it is impossible to imagine technological progress in many areas of human activity. Bionics is our future in complete harmony with nature.
