Perfection of nature: bionics in the automotive industry
Nature has always been the muse for technology’s development. Bionics is a new science that emerged at the intersection of biology and informational technology. It uses biological processes and living systems as models for creating new technologies and solving engineering problems. Millions of years of evolution have perfected natural mechanisms, and today we can use them in different fields, including automobile manufacturing. In fact, modern automotive engines were developed based on bionics. To clearly trace the main point of this article, refresh your knowledge about the principle of the 4-cylinder inline engine. Next, I will discuss what unique body features of some natural inhabitants can serve as inspiration for improving the performance of car engines.
Water dwellers
For aquatic mammals, speed of movement is an essential advantage in the struggle for existence. Animals like whales and dolphins have a particular body shape and skin structure. These features provide minimal resistance, allowing them to move quickly in the water. A model of this natural mechanism can be applied to improve the aerodynamics of car bodies and create more efficient engines with low drag.
In addition, some fish species use reduplication (replication of body parts) to create blades and fins. This unique phenomenon can also inspire the creation of more efficient engine ventilation systems.
Temperature preservation
Thermoregulatory mechanisms allow many animals (such as birds or fish) to maintain an optimal body temperature in different conditions. Automotive engines, in turn, also need stable thermoregulation. Therefore, studying this natural mechanism's principle may help create more efficient engine cooling systems.
A vast realm of small creatures
We know that spiders and many species of insects can easily and quickly move on various surfaces, such as glass, stone, or wood. It's possible due to the particular structure of their paws. This natural mechanism can be used to create more efficient and durable gears and wheels inside engines.
Nature is an unrivaled source of inspiration for the development of technical inventions. In this article, I have looked at just one application and described how biological mechanisms can be used to optimize the performance of automotive engines. Furthermore, by studying the basic life principles of organisms invented by nature, we can make incredible breakthroughs in creating efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.
