Bionics is what science? What does bionics study? Application of bionics

The slogan of bionics: "Nature knows best." What kind of science is this? Already the name and such motto give us to understand that bionics is connected with nature. Many of us face the elements and results of the science of bionics every day, without even knowing it.

Have you heard of such a science as bionics?

Biology is a popular knowledge with which we are introduced in school. For some reason, many believe that bionics is one of the subsections of biology. In fact, this statement is not entirely accurate. Indeed, in the narrow sense of the term, bionics is a science that studies living organisms. But most often we are accustomed to associate with this teaching something else. Applied bionics is a science that combines biology and technology.

Subject and object of bionic research

What does bionics study? To answer this question, it is necessary to consider the structural division of the doctrine itself.

Biological bionics explores nature as it is without intervention. The object of its study are processes occurring within biological systems.

Theoretical bionics studies the principles that were noticed in nature, and on their basis creates a theoretical model, which is further applied in technologies.

Practical (technical) bionics is the application of theoretical models in practice. So to say, the practical introduction of nature into the technical world.

Where did it all begin?

The father of bionics is called the great Leonardo da Vinci. In the records of this genius, you can find the first attempts at the technical implementation of natural mechanisms. The drawings of da Vinci illustrate his desire to create an aircraft capable of moving wings, as in the flight of a bird. At one time such ideas were too bold to become popular. They forced to draw attention to themselves much later.

The first to apply the principles of bionics in architecture was Antoni Gaudi-i-Kurnet. His name is firmly imprinted in the history of this science. Architectural structures on the projects of the great Gaudi impressed at the time of their construction, and the same enthusiasm they evoke in many years by modern observers.

The next person to support the idea of a symbiosis of nature and technology was Rudolf Steiner. Under his leadership, a wide application of bionic principles in the design of buildings began.

The statement of bionics as an independent science occurred only in 1960 at a scientific symposium in Daytona.

The development of computer technology and mathematical modeling allows modern architects to much faster and more accurately embody the tips of nature in architecture and other industries.

Natural prototypes of technical inventions

The simplest example of the manifestation of the science of bionics is the invention of hinges. All familiar fastening, based on the principle of rotation of one part of the structure around the other. This principle is used by seashells in order to control two of their flaps and, if necessary, open or close them. Pacific core-giants reach a size of 15-20 cm. The hinged principle in combining their shells can be easily seen with the naked eye. Small representatives of this species use the same method of fixing the leaflets.

In everyday life we often use a variety of tweezers. A natural analog of such a device is the sharp and pincer beak of the spindle. These birds use a thin beak, sticking it into soft soil and getting out small beetles, worms and stuff from there.

Many modern instruments and devices are equipped with suction cups. For example, they are used to improve the design of the legs of various kitchen appliances to avoid them slipping during operation. Also, the suction cups are equipped with special shoes for the cleaning of windows of high-rise buildings to ensure their safe fixation. This simple adaptation is also borrowed from nature. Kvaksha, having suckers on her legs, is extremely cleverly held on smooth and slippery leaves of plants, and the octopus is necessary for close contact with their victims.

You can find many such examples. Bionics is just the science that helps a person to borrow from nature a technical solution for their inventions.

Who is the first - nature or people?

Sometimes it happens that this or that invention of mankind has long been "patented" by nature. That is, the inventors, creating something, do not copy, but come up with the technology itself or the principle of work, and later it turns out that in natural nature it has long existed, and it was possible to just peek and adopt.

So it happened with the usual sticky fastener, which is used by a person to fasten clothes. It was proved that in the structure of feathers of birds, hooks are also used for the coupling of thin beards, similar to those that are on velcro fasteners.

In the structure of the factory pipes, there is an analogy with the hollow stalks of cereals. The longitudinal reinforcement used in the pipes is similar to the sclerenchyma strands in the stem. Steel rings of rigidity are internodes. Thin peel from the outside of the stem is an analog of the spiral armature in the structure of the pipes. Despite the colossal similarity of the structure, scientists independently invented this method of building factory pipes, and only later saw the identity of such a structure with natural elements.

Bionics and Medicine

The use of bionics in medicine makes it possible to save the lives of many patients. Without stopping, work is underway to create artificial organs that can function in symbiosis with the human body.

The first was lucky to experience a bionic prosthesis to Dane Dennis Aabo. He lost half his arm, but now has the ability to perceive objects by touch with the help of the invention of physicians. His prosthesis is connected to the nerve endings of the affected limb. Sensors of artificial fingers are able to collect information about touching objects and transfer it to the brain. The design is not yet finalized, it is very cumbersome, which makes it difficult to use in everyday life, but right now you can call this technology a real discovery.

All researches in this direction are completely based on copying of natural processes and mechanisms and their technical execution. This is medical bionics. Scientists say that soon their work will give an opportunity to change the worn-out living organs of man and instead use mechanical prototypes. It really will be the greatest breakthrough in medicine.

Bionics in Architecture

Architectural and construction bionics is a special branch of bionic science, the task of which is the organic reunification of architecture and nature. Recently, more often in the design of modern designs refer to bionic principles, borrowed from living organisms.

Today architectural bionics has become a separate architectural style. It was born with a simple copying of forms, and now the task of this science began to adopt the principles, organizational features and technically embody them.

Sometimes such an architectural style is called ekostilem. All because the basic rules of bionics are:

• Search for optimal solutions;
• Principle of saving materials;
• The principle of maximum ecological compatibility;
• Principle of saving energy.

As you can see, bionics in architecture are not only impressive forms, but also progressive technologies that allow creating a structure that meet modern requirements.

Characteristics of architectural bionic structures

Based on past experience in architecture and construction, it can be said that all human constructions are fragile and short-lived, if they do not use the laws of nature. Bionic buildings, in addition to amazing shapes and bold architectural solutions, are resistant, capable of withstanding adverse natural phenomena and cataclysms.

In the exterior of the buildings constructed in this style, elements of reliefs, shapes, contours, skillfully copied by design engineers from living, natural objects and masterly embodied by architects-builders can be viewed.

If, suddenly, when contemplating an architectural object it seems that you are looking at a work of art, there is a high probability in front of you a building in the style of bionics. Examples of such designs can be seen in almost all the capitals of countries and large technologically advanced cities in the world.

The design of the new millennium

Back in the 90's, the Spanish team of architects created a building project based on a completely new concept. This 300-story building, whose height will exceed 1200 m. It is conceived that the movement along this tower will take place with the help of four hundred vertical and horizontal elevators, the speed of which is 15 m / s. The country that agreed to sponsor this project was China. For the construction was chosen the most populous city - Shanghai. The implementation of the project will solve the demographic problem of the region.

The tower will have a completely bionic structure. Architects believe that only this will ensure the strength and durability of the structure. The prototype of the structure is the cypress tree. The architectural composition will have not only a cylindrical shape, similar to the tree trunk, but also "roots" - a new kind of bionic basement.

The outer covering of the building is a plastic and breathable material that mimics the bark of a tree. The conditioning system of this vertical city will be an analogue of the thermoregulatory function of the skin.

According to the forecasts of scientists and architects, such a building will not remain the only one of its kind. After the successful implementation of the number of bionic buildings in the architecture of the planet will only increase.

Bionic buildings around us

In what famous works was the science of bionics used? Examples of such structures are easy to find. Take at least the process of creating the Eiffel Tower. For a long time there were rumors that this 300-meter symbol of France was built according to the drawings of an unknown Arab engineer. Later, her complete analogy with the structure of the human tibia was revealed.

In addition to the Eiffel Tower, many examples of bionic structures can be found all over the world:

• Sydney Opera was built by analogy with the lotus flower.
• Beijing National Opera House - imitation of a water drop.
• Swimming complex in Beijing. Externally repeats the crystal structure of the water lattice. An amazing design solution combines a useful design feature to store the energy of the sun and then use it to power all electrical appliances working in the building.
• Skyscraper "Aqua" looks like a stream of falling water. Located in Chicago.
• The house of the founder of the architectural bionics Antonio Gaudi is one of the first bionic structures. Until today it has retained its aesthetic value and remains one of the most popular tourist sites in Barcelona.

Knowledge required for everyone

Summing up, one can safely say: everything that bionics studies is relevant and necessary for the development of modern society. Everyone should get acquainted with the scientific principles of bionics. Without this science it is impossible to imagine technical progress in many spheres of human activity. Bionics is our future in complete harmony with nature.