Steve Cho, Kevin Hu WF Green Research Proposal: Difference between revisions
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- scanner machines, detailed observation equipment to identify the structure behind the Hercules beetle's function | - scanner machines, detailed observation equipment to identify the structure behind the Hercules beetle's function |
Revision as of 14:36, 7 May 2013
Biomimicry
Brief project overview
- mimicking the Hercules beetle to develop stronger machines capable of lifting and carrying heavier loads than current machines
Background information
- the Hercules beetle possesses exceptional strength, even for an insect
- they can lift 100+ X bodyweight
- able to walk with 40X bodyweight without expending much more energy than normal
Research problem and goals
- current machines don’t even approach the strength of ants, much less the Hercules beetle
- obviously, the whole size-scale thing plays a role, but it is still worth looking into why the H beetle is much stronger than other similarly sized or even smaller insects
- there should be something special about the way the Hercules beetle is built that gives it its strength
- utilizing this could lead to stronger and more efficient machinery for humans, potentially with small-scale design and potential scaleup
Project details and methods
- detailed full body scan of Hercules beetle and then use computer simulations to find points of stress under various loads and how the beetle compensates for those stresses
- take live specimens and observe them under real life loads to verify simulations, potentially with mechano-sensing proteins
- make machines based on what we find to replicate the strength and see how they compare to similar sized machines based on traditional technology
Predicted outcomes
- if everything goes well: capable of large construction machines that can lift significantly more than currently available, or manufacturing biomechanical limbs and armor suits capable of granting immense strength to wearers
- if nothing does: need to come up with a different way to mimic these beetles because it is definitely worth pursuing
Resources needed
- scanner machines, detailed observation equipment to identify the structure behind the Hercules beetle's function
- beetles
- other insects and small-scale machines for comparison
- powerful computers for in silico stress loading