7,825 research outputs found
Digital Tectonics as a Morphogenetic Process
p. 938-948Tectonics is a seminal concept that defines the nature of the relationship between
architecture and its structural properties. The changing definition of the symbiotic
relationship between structural engineering and architectural design may be considered one of the formative influences on the conceptual evolution of tectonics in different historical periods. Recent developments in the field of morphogenesis, digital media, theories techniques and methods of digital design have contributed a new models of integration between structure, material and form in digital tectonics.
The objective of this paper is to propose and define tectonics as a model of morphogenetic process. The paper identifies and presents the manner in which theory and emerging concepts of morphogenesis as well as digital models of design are contributing to this new model. The paper first analyzes the historical evolution of tectonics as a concept and characterizes the emergence of theoretical framework reflected in concepts and terms related to morphogenesis.Oxman, R. (2010). Digital Tectonics as a Morphogenetic Process. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/695
Natural Variation and Neuromechanical Systems
Natural variation plays an important but subtle and often ignored role in neuromechanical systems. This is especially important when designing for living or hybrid systems \ud
which involve a biological or self-assembling component. Accounting for natural variation can be accomplished by taking a population phenomics approach to modeling and analyzing such systems. I will advocate the position that noise in neuromechanical systems is partially represented by natural variation inherent in user physiology. Furthermore, this noise can be augmentative in systems that couple physiological systems with technology. There are several tools and approaches that can be borrowed from computational biology to characterize the populations of users as they interact with the technology. In addition to transplanted approaches, the potential of natural variation can be understood as having a range of effects on both the individual's physiology and function of the living/hybrid system over time. Finally, accounting for natural variation can be put to good use in human-machine system design, as three prescriptions for exploiting variation in design are proposed
Paleomimetics: A Conceptual Framework for a Biomimetic Design Inspired by Fossils and Evolutionary Processes
In biomimetic design, functional systems, principles, and processes observed in nature are
used for the development of innovative technical systems. The research on functional features is
often carried out without giving importance to the generative mechanism behind them: evolution.
To deeply understand and evaluate the meaning of functional morphologies, integrative structures,
and processes, it is imperative to not only describe, analyse, and test their behaviour, but also to
understand the evolutionary history, constraints, and interactions that led to these features. The
discipline of palaeontology and its approach can considerably improve the efficiency of biomimetic
transfer by analogy of function; additionally, this discipline, as well as biology, can contribute to
the development of new shapes, textures, structures, and functional models for productive and
generative processes useful in the improvement of designs. Based on the available literature, the
present review aims to exhibit the potential contribution that palaeontology can offer to biomimetic
processes, integrating specific methodologies and knowledge in a typical biomimetic design approach,
as well as laying the foundation for a biomimetic design inspired by extinct species and evolutionary
processes: Paleomimetics. A state of the art, definition, method, and tools are provided, and fossil
entities are presented as potential role models for technical transfer solutions
Paleomimetics: A Conceptual Framework for a Biomimetic Design Inspired by Fossils and Evolutionary Processes
In biomimetic design, functional systems, principles, and processes observed in nature are
used for the development of innovative technical systems. The research on functional features is
often carried out without giving importance to the generative mechanism behind them: evolution.
To deeply understand and evaluate the meaning of functional morphologies, integrative structures,
and processes, it is imperative to not only describe, analyse, and test their behaviour, but also to
understand the evolutionary history, constraints, and interactions that led to these features. The
discipline of palaeontology and its approach can considerably improve the efficiency of biomimetic
transfer by analogy of function; additionally, this discipline, as well as biology, can contribute to the
development of new shapes, textures, structures, and functional models for productive and generative
processes useful in the improvement of designs. Based on the available literature, the present
review aims to exhibit the potential contribution that palaeontology can offer to biomimetic processes,
integrating specific methodologies and knowledge in a typical biomimetic design approach,
as well as laying the foundation for a biomimetic design inspired by extinct species and evolutionary
processes: Paleomimetics. A state of the art, definition, method, and tools are provided, and
fossil entities are presented as potential role models for technical transfer solutions
Constructional design of echinoid endoskeleton: main structural components and their potential for biomimetic applications
The endoskeleton of echinoderms (Deuterostomia: Echinodermata) is of mesodermal origin and
consists of cells, organic components, as well as an inorganic mineral matrix. The echinoderm
skeleton forms a complex lattice-system, which represents a model structure for naturally inspired
engineering in terms of construction, mechanical behaviour and functional design. The sea urchin
(Echinodermata: Echinoidea) endoskeleton consists of three main structural components: test,
dental apparatus and accessory appendages. Although, all parts of the echinoid skeleton consist of
the same basic material, their microstructure displays a great potential in meeting several
mechanical needs according to a direct and clear structure–function relationship. This versatility
has allowed the echinoid skeleton to adapt to different activities such as structural support, defence,
feeding, burrowing and cleaning. Although, constrained by energy and resource efficiency, many of
the structures found in the echinoid skeleton are optimized in terms of functional performances.
Therefore, these structures can be used as role models for bio-inspired solutions in various
industrial sectors such as building constructions, robotics, biomedical and material engineering.
The present review provides an overview of previous mechanical and biomimetic research on the
echinoid endoskeleton, describing the current state of knowledge and providing a reference for
future studies
Adaptive locomotion of artificial microswimmers
Bacteria can exploit mechanics to display remarkable plasticity in response
to locally changing physical and chemical conditions. Compliant structures play
a striking role in their taxis behavior, specifically for navigation inside
complex and structured environments. Bioinspired mechanisms with rationally
designed architectures capable of large, nonlinear deformation present
opportunities for introducing autonomy into engineered small-scale devices.
This work analyzes the effect of hydrodynamic forces and rheology of local
surroundings on swimming at low Reynolds number, identifies the challenges and
benefits of utilizing elastohydrodynamic coupling in locomotion, and further
develops a suite of machinery for building untethered microrobots with
self-regulated mobility. We demonstrate that coupling the structural and
magnetic properties of artificial microswimmers with the dynamic properties of
the fluid leads to adaptive locomotion in the absence of on-board sensors
Searching the solution space in constructive geometric constraint solving with genetic algorithms
Geometric problems defined by constraints have an exponential number
of solution instances in the number of geometric elements involved.
Generally, the user is only interested in one instance such that
besides fulfilling the geometric constraints, exhibits some additional
properties.
Selecting a solution instance amounts to selecting a given root every
time the geometric constraint solver needs to compute the zeros of a
multi valuated function. The problem of selecting a given root is
known as the Root Identification Problem.
In this paper we present a new technique to solve the root
identification problem. The technique is based on an automatic search
in the space of solutions performed by a genetic algorithm. The user
specifies the solution of interest by defining a set of additional
constraints on the geometric elements which drive the search of the
genetic algorithm. The method is extended with a sequential niche
technique to compute multiple solutions. A number of case studies
illustrate the performance of the method.Postprint (published version
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