During the week Aug 12 – Aug 16, I visited the Technological University of Denmark (DTU) on an invitation from my long term collaborator Dr Torben Lenau from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. We discussed a number of ongoing and potential future collaborative projects related to biomimetic innovation and design. In particular I had the opportunity to get an update from and discuss with a visiting project Student, Luisa Keinprecht, who investigated if the geometry of the structural parts of an orb web can be used for reinforcing the stiffness of membranes.
In addition, I also gave an invited seminar at the Danish Center for Applied Mathematics and Mechanicsentitled ‘Numerical simulations biological systems: the spider orb webs’. My visit and talk resulted in a departmental news article on biomimetics and my non-sticky spiral zoological research, which can be found here (in Danish).
Incidentally, I will give a similar talk on the Oxford University Department for Continuing Education’s day school ‘The happy marriage: mathematics and biology’ on September the 14th in Oxford.
Title: Numerical simulations biological systems: the spider orb webs
Abstract
Numerical models are used increasingly in the fields of animal behaviour and comparative biomechanics to couple functional and evolutionary aspects of morphology and construction behaviour to the properties of biological materials. One particular promising avenue is the study of silk constructions as silk is a non‐linear natural polymer with an impressive toughness and elasticity. Here I will discuss how finite element modelling can be used to shed light on the extraordinary function of light‐weight orb webs. In particular I will focus on the permanent non‐sticky spiral in webs of the large tropical golden orb weavers. First I will show how a simple static finite element model can help explain the zigzag nature of the spiral before introducing a more complex dynamic model that helps explain how geometry and silk mechanical properties of the non‐sticky spiral interact to create stiffer webs capable of resisting higher wind‐loading. Finally I will briefly discuss how finite element modelling can be used to speculate on the anti‐predatory function of silkmoth cocoons based on how geometry and material properties affect their impact behaviour
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