NMG Lunchtime Seminar Series: Focusing on Biomimicry

You are invited to join us for our monthly virtual event where the focus will be on Biomimicry

 

The focus of this month's webinar was on Biomimicry

We heard from

Dr Caroline Houriet, INRAE Nantes, France

Shaping Anisotropy: From Nature to Engineering via 3D-printing

• How come natural materials perform so well, given the little energy they need to be produced? This question fascinates many of us.
• One key aspect is that they master anisotropy. Can we do the same with 3D printing? In this talk, I will present my research on Liquid Crystal Polymers and how to leverage their anisotropy to create bio-inspired parts with better mechanical properties.

Dr Luke Malone, Centre for Natural Material Innovation (CNMI), University of Cambridge

What can beetles teach us about impact resistance?

• Many beetle species possess large mandibles or horns that can withstand repeated impacts hundreds of times greater than the beetle’s own body weight.
• By studying these impressive structures, we may be able to design new impact-resistant systems for a range of engineering applications.

Nathalie Verbrugghe, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)

Biomimicry in architecture: general overview and applications

• Biomimicry in architecture draws on 3.8 billion years of evolutionary experience to guide sustainable design.
• By learning from how organisms manage water, energy, and materials, architects can develop resource-efficient solutions that enhance resilience and reduce environmental impact.