Module - 4

NATURE-BIOINSPIRED MATERIALS AND MECHANISMS

Echolocation (ultrasonography, sonars), Photosynthesis (photovoltaic cells, bionic leaf). Bird
flying (GPS and aircrafts), Lotus leaf effect (Super hydrophobic and self-cleaning surfaces),
Plant burrs (Velcro), Shark skin (Friction reducing swim suits), Kingfisher beak (Bullet
train). Human Blood substitutes - hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) and
Perflourocarbons (PFCs).

ECHOLOCATION:
In nature’s sonar system, echolocation occurs when an animal emits a sound wave that
bounces off an object, returning an echo that provides information about the object’s distance
and size.

Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency (higher than
20000Hz) sound waves travel through the body and bounce back off of the internal organs
and tissues. The returning echoes are captured by the ultrasound machine and used to create
images of the internal structures.

Working Principle of Ultrasonography

The working principle of ultrasonography is based on the reflection of high-frequency sound
waves.
Transducer: An ultrasonography machine consists of a transducer that is used to emit and
receive high-frequency sound waves. The transducer is placed in direct contact with the skin.
Reflection of sound waves: The sound waves encounter boundaries between different tissues
and organs and bounce back, creating echoes.
Reception of echoes: The transducer in the ultrasonography machine receives the echoes and
sends the information to a computer, which processes the data to create images.
Image formation: The computer uses the information from the echoes to create images of
the internal organs and tissues of the body.
Uses of Ultrasonography
Used in a wide range of medical applications, most common uses of ultrasonography include:
Gynecology: Ultrasonography is commonly used to monitor the growth and development of
a fetus during pregnancy.
Abdominal imaging: Ultrasonography is used to image the organs of the abdomen, such as
the liver, gallbladder, pancreas and kidneys.
Musculoskeletal imaging: Ultrasonography is used to image the muscles, tendons, and
ligaments to diagnose conditions such as muscle strains, tendonitis, and ligament sprains.
Vascular imaging: Ultrasonography is used to image blood vessels, such as the arteries and
veins, to diagnose conditions such as blood clots and blockages.

Sonars
Sonar (sound navigation and ranging or sonic navigation and ranging) is a technique that uses
sound propagation to navigate, measure distances, detect and locate underwater objects
Working Principle of Sonars
Transmitter: A sonar system consists of a transmitter that emits a series of sound pulses of
high frequency into the water.
Propagation of sound waves: The sound pulses propagate through the water, travelling to
the target object and bouncing back as echoes.
Receiver: The sonar system also includes a receiver that listens for the returning echoes. The
receiver is typically placed far away from the transmitter to minimize interference from the
transmitted signals.
Calculation of range: The time it takes for the echoes to return to the receiver is used to
calculate the range to the target object.
Image formation: The frequency and pattern of the echoes are used to determine the
properties of the target object, such as its size, shape, and composition.
Display of results: The results of the sonar measurement are typically displayed on a screen
or other output device, allowing the operator to visualize the target object and its location.

Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy
from the sun into chemical energy stored in organic molecules.
Light-dependent reactions and light-independent reactions (also known as the Calvin cycle)
are two interconnected processes that occur in the chloroplasts of plants and algae during
photosynthesis.
Light-Dependent Reactions:
Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll
↓
Water molecules split through a process called photolysis, releasing electrons, protons (H+),
and oxygen (O2).
↓
The excited electrons captured by NADP+ and converted to NADPH
↓
Adenosine diphosphate (ADP) combines with inorganic phosphate (Pi) to form adenosine
triphosphate (ATP). This process is known as phosphorylation
↓
Oxygen molecules are released as a by product into the atmosphere.

Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)

CO2 from the atmosphere taken up by chlorophyll
↓
ATP and NADPH, produced provide energy and electrons for the reduction
↓
Glucose produced during the Calvin cycle can be stored for later use
Bionic Leaf
A bionic leaf is a system that uses artificial photosynthesis to convert sunlight into usable
forms of energy, such as hydrogen fuels, fertilizers.
Components of Bionic Leaf
Light Harvesting System: The bionic leaf includes photovoltaic cell that captures sunlight
and converts it into electrical energy
Catalysts: The bionic leaf incorporates catalysts, such as enzymes (Examples: Hydrogenase,
Nitrogenase, etc.) to facilitate the chemical reactions involved in photosynthesis.
Carbon Dioxide Source: Bionic leaf requires a source of carbon dioxide can be obtained
from concentrated carbon dioxide solutions.

Working principle of bionic leaf

Sunlight is captured and directed to the bionic leaf.
↓
Sunlight energy is used to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen
(2 H2O 2 H2 + O2)
↓
The oxygen gas produced is released into the atmosphere.
 ↓
The bionic leaf also absorbs carbon dioxide from the air or a supplied source
↓
CO2 reacts with hydrogen in the presence of catalyst to form carbon-based compounds, such
as formic acid or methane.
[2CO2 +2 H2 2CH2O (Fuel)]

Applications
 Can be used for fertilizer production
 Fuels can be used as clean energy sources for various applications, including
transportation, electricity generation, and heating.

Photovoltaic Cells
Photovoltaic cells or solar cells are semiconductor devices that convert sunlight into direct
current electricity, is due to the photoelectric effect.
Principle
Ejection of electrons from the metal surface by striking it with photons of solar radiation,
which subsequently move in external circuit and produce electrical energy.
Construction
A typical silicon photovoltaic cell is composed of a thin wafer consisting of an ultra thin
layer of Phosphorous doped (n-type) silicon on top and Boron doped (p-type) silicon at the
bottom. Hence a p-n junction is formed between the two.
A metallic grid forms one of the electrical contacts of the diode and allows light to fall on the
semiconductor between the grid lines. An antireflective layer between the grid lines increases
the amount of light transmitted to the semiconductor. The cells other electrical contact is
formed by a metallic layer on the back of the solar cell.

Working
When light radiation falls on the p-n junction diode, electron-hole pairs are generated by the
absorption of the radiation. The electrons are drifted to and collected at the n-type end
and the holes are drifted to and collected at the p-type end. When these two ends are
electrically connected through a conductor, there is a flow of current between the two ends
through the external circuit. Thus photoelectric current is produced and available for use.

Mechanism of bird Flying

Birds fly by flapping their wings and using their body weight and the movement of the air to
stay aloft.
Basic principle of bird flying can be understood by considering the combination of
1
Aerodynamics forces (Lift, weight, drag, thrust) and Bernoullis principle (𝑃 ∝ 𝑉)

Science behind bird flight:

Wing shape: When air flows over an airfoil, the air flows faster over the top of the wing and
slower under the wing. The faster flowing air exerts a lower pressure than the slower moving
air. The pressure difference causes an upward force called lift, which enables the bird to fly.
Wing Muscles: Birds have strong flight muscles attached to their wings. The upstroke and
down stroke motion of the wings generates thrust, helping the bird to move forward through
the air.
Hollow Bones: Birds have lightweight bones that are hollow and filled with air sacs,
reducing their overall weight.
Respiratory System: Birds have a unique respiratory system that allows for efficient oxygen
exchange. Air flows unidirectional through their lungs, as well as through a system of air sacs
located throughout their body.
Feathers: Feathers play a crucial role in flight. They provide both lift and control.

Aircrafts (Mimicking Bird flying)

The aircraft flight is directly influenced by the principle of bird flight.
Aircrafts also uses the principle of Aerodynamics forces (Lift, weight, drag, thrust) and
1
Bernoullis principle (𝑃 ∝ 𝑉)

Like bird wings airplane wings are also shaped to make air move faster over the top of the
wing. When the air moves faster, the pressure of the air decreases. So the pressure on the top
of the wing is less than the pressure on the bottom of the wing. The difference in pressure
creates a force on the wing that lifts the wing up into the air.
Aerodynamics forces includes:
Thrust: The force that moves an airplane forward through the air. Thrust is created by a
propeller Drag: The air resistance that tends to slow the forward movement of an airplane.
Lift: The upward force that is created by the movement of air above and below a wing. Air
flows faster above the wing and slower below the wing, creating a difference in pressure that
tends to keep an airplane flying.
Gravity: The force that pulls all objects towards the earth.

GPS Technology
Global positioning system means a space-based satellite navigation system provides location
and time information to users by exchanging radio waves.
The working of the Global positioning system is based on the 'trilateration' mechanism.
Trilateration process of determining the location based on the intersections of the spheres.
Components of GPS
Ground Stations
Make use of multiple RADARs to monitor the position and the condition of the satellites
present in outer space. The satellites tend to move in a fixed circular path around the earth
Satellites
A global positioning system typically comprises a network of 32 satellites orbiting the earth.
24 out of the 32 satellites are the core satellites; whereas, the remaining 8 are known as the
emergency satellites.
Receiver
The receiver devices continuously receive signals from the satellites and help calculate the
distance between the receiver devices and the network of satellites.