Biomimicry for Materials, Design and Habitats

Biomimicry for Materials, Design and Habitats: Innovations and Applications in Materials, Design and the Built Environment is a survey of the recent work of recognized experts in a variety of fields who employ biomimicry and related paradigms to solve key problems of interest within science, technology, and society. Topics covered include innovations from biomimicry in materials, product design, architecture, and biological sciences. The book is a useful resource for researchers, engineers, and materials scientists, taking them from the theory behind biomimicry to real world applications. Nonlinear multifunctional systems that have a symbiotic relationship with their environment are the domain of nature. Living systems have evolved innovative solutions to challenges that humans face on a daily basis. Mosquitos can teach us to make hypodermic needles, jet engines can learn from harbor seal whiskers, and cacti may show us how to extract water from Mars. Therefore, it is in nature that we seek inspiration for the solutions to tomorrow's challenges. Presents new directions and the various applications of biomimicry within industry Discusses the role of biomimicry in innovation and product design Covers applications in systems engineering and design, novel materials and structures design, and architecture and life in hostile environments Includes perspectives on sustainability and the incorporation of biomimicry into that realm