Objectives and competences
• Knowledge of biomimetic as an advanced approach in the development of new materials and products.
• Ability to recognize and apply the basic principles of biomimetic.
• Ability to integrate information and find solutions in product development through biomimetic.
• Knowledge and understanding of new specific functionalities of materials and products developed on the basis of biomimetics.
• Ability to analyze (bio) mechanical principles in nature.
• Ability to apply (bio) mechanical principles to a molded product.
Content (Syllabus outline)
Lectures:
Introduction - the main philosophy of biomimetics. Examples of biomimetics in the science and product development history: mimicking natural methods of design and manufacture and imitating the natural mechanisms (da Vinci’s flying machines, Velcro, cat eyes, etc.).
Biomimetics in the development of new materials and devices: sticking without glue (“gecko tape” – super adhesion with nanofibers); structural colours without dyestuff (mimicking butterfly and beetles wings structure); natural superhydrophobic, self-cleaning, low adhesion, and drag reduction surfaces by mimicking lotus leaf and shark skin surfaces; stronger and tougher composites (biomimicry of sea shells materials’ structure); harvesting water from fog - sorting of dropplets by structured surfaces (biomimicry of the beetles’ shell surfaces); advanced solar cells design through biomimicry of butterfly wings structure; micro thermal IR sensors development by mimicking receptors of Melanophila acuminate, etc.
Study of mechanical structures in biomechanics, studies, analysis and synthesis of motions and strain states of biological systems. Transformation of a biomechanical system into a mechanical/ mathematical model, simulation of responses, control of systems. Introduction into the understanding of biomechanical actuators and sensors.
Analysis and synthesis of "natural" design elements: proportion, colour, texture, rhythm ... Application of "natural" solution on the product. Case studies of selected design examples with emphasis on design methodology and design recommendations.
Tutorials
Prescribed are lab works with computers, which are focused in practical introduction of methods in bionics and biomechanics. Students will use commercial available software packages and self-written software tools.
Seminar work:
Profound study of specific achievements through biomimicry application in engineering and design. Presentation of the seminar work for the study group.
Learning and teaching methods
• frontal lectures,
• practical work at lab work
• preparation and public presentation of the project,
• discussion.
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
• to present and explain the basic principles of biomimetic
• to present and explain the basic principles of bio-inspired design
• to present and explain the basic principles of biomechanics
• define the biomimetic / biomechanical principle and apply it to the designed product
• independently investigate and define a biomimetic solution
• build and present physical prototypes of designed products
• prepare visualizations and presentations of designed products (portfolio)
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
• national and foreign literature enquiry and application
• internet application for specific information search
• gathering and interpretation of results, experimental results report preparation
Readings
Temeljna literatura:
• Supej, M., & Kugovnik, O. (2023). Biomehanika 1: [univerzitetni učbenik z recenzijo] (Ponatis, str. 202). Fakulteta za šport, Inštitut za šport. https://plus.cobiss.net/cobiss/si/sl/bib/145259779
• Škrlec, J. (2022). Bionika (str. IX, 216). Profidtp. https://plus.cobiss.net/cobiss/si/sl/bib/115670787
Dodatna literatura in viri:
• Harih, G. (2021). Bionika in biomehanika – izročki predavanj. Dosegljivo na spletni učilnici predmeta na estudij.um.si
• Sevšek, F. (2018). Biomehanika (2. elektronska izd.). samozal. http://www.sevsek.eu/Biomehanika/Knjiga/. https://plus.cobiss.net/cobiss/si/sl/bib/293279488
Prerequisits
Prerequisite for inclusion in the work:
Basic knowledge of computer design tools, mechanics and computer simulations in product design.
Conditions for fulfilling study obligations:
Completed compulsory tasks at the lab work.
Seminar work must be submitted and presented at least one week before examination date - prerequisite for the theoretic exam!
Additional information on implementation and assessment Oral exam and seminar papermust be assessed positive for the overall positive grade.
