Biomimetics is the concept of understanding the structure of organisms and the functions and principles of systems to reconfigure them artificially in order to solve complex problems of human society and technology. This academic discipline requires interdisciplinary knowledge spanning biology, mechanical engineering, chemistry, and sociology. The instructor in this course explains the mechanical engineering aspect of biomimetics using specific research cases. The instructor will especially focus on mechanism of flying and swimming and micro- and nano-scale structures centered on insects to explain typical biological structures, principles, measuring devices, and production techniques.
Through this course, students will acquire diverse biological and engineering knowledge required for mechanical biomimetics at an introductory level.
Biomimetics, Biomechanics, Fluid dynamics, Micro fabrication
✔ Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Lecture using PowerPoint slides. Live online via Zoom.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Overview of Biomimetics | Short report |
Class 2 | Adhesion and anti-adhesion: Gecko's feet | Short report |
Class 3 | Functional micro/nano surface structures: Lotus leaf, Morpho butterfly, and moth eye | Short report |
Class 4 | Mechanical and optical sensors: Haltere of a fly | Short report |
Class 5 | Reduction of fluid drag: Shark skin | Short report |
Class 6 | Animal gliding flight | Short report |
Class 7 | Animal flapping flight | Short report |
To promote effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterward (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Not specified
A. Azuma, The Biokinetics of Flying and Swimming Second Edition, AIAA, 2006.
Other references will be introduced in the course.
Short report for every lecture and a final report at the end of the semester
Not specified
Associate Professor Hiroto Tanaka
tanaka.h.cb[at]m.titech.ac.jp