Periodic Reporting for period 1 - BioCapSoft (Bio-inspired capillary capture of viscous fluids with soft structures.)
Reporting period: 2021-06-01 to 2023-05-31
Feeding and hydrating are particularly crucial for the survival of small animals presenting a high surface to volume ratio, and thus faster heat dissipation. Some small animals, such as hummingbirds, bumblebees, butterflies or bats hydrate and feed simultaneously by ingesting nectar.
In this project, we studied the nectar capture mechanism of some nectarivores by using simple model experiments capturing the main physics of the biological systems and by varying systematically the key parameters at play.
Understanding such fluid capture mechanisms is important to assess the potential impact of climate change on the feeding of nectarivores and may open the way for the design of optimized soft synthetic structures for fluid manipulation and transport.
In this project, we studied the nectar capture mechanism of some nectarivores by using simple model experiments capturing the main physics of the biological systems and by varying systematically the key parameters at play.
Understanding such fluid capture mechanisms is important to assess the potential impact of climate change on the feeding of nectarivores and may open the way for the design of optimized soft synthetic structures for fluid manipulation and transport.
Work Package 1: Hummingbird tongue
In this work package, the focus shifted to studying ribbed sheets that mimic the structure of the annulus in the fern sporangium, revealing a rich physics when impregnated with a liquid.
A protocol was developed to manufacture thin textured sheets using techniques such as 3D printing of molds and spincoating for controlling thickness.
Collaboration was initiated with Dr. Jean Cappello, an expert in small-scale capillary flows, to leverage his expertise in the research.
Through experiments, three distinct deformation modes of the sheet were identified as the liquid evaporated, and an analytical model was developed to explain these observations.
A noteworthy finding was the ability to precisely program the deformed shape by manipulating the geometry of the textures on the sheet.
The research culminated in a publication in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) and the receipt of the International Bionic Award from the Association of the German Engineers (VDI) for outstanding contributions to biomimetics.
Work Package 2: Bumblebee tongue
The first subtask focused on investigating the impregnation of soft brushes, which uncovered a previously unreported subcritical transition to coalescence of fibers as they were withdrawn from a liquid bath.
Collaboration with Fabian Brau led to the development of an analytical model that explained this phenomenon, and the results were published in Extreme Mechanics Letters.
Dynamical aspects of the study, particularly the impact of withdrawal speed on capillary "Cheerios" force, are currently being reviewed for publication in Physical Review Letters.
The second subtask, which involves the impregnation of controlled soft hairy surfaces, is currently ongoing, with experiments and simulations being conducted to characterize different regimes based on hair network geometry, elasticity, bath viscosity, and withdrawal speed.
Work Package 3: Design of innovative structures
Ribbed sheets with intriguing mechanical properties were designed and characterized, highlighting a strong coupling between stretching and bending in these structures.
The optimal geometry of the ribs was determined to maximize this effect. The research outcomes resulted in a publication in Physical Review Letters and recognition in Physics Magazine through a synopsis.
Furthermore, iI demonstrated that these ribbed sheets could be utilized to program 3D structures through the evaporation of an infused liquid.
Overall, the work performed during this project has advanced the understanding of fluid-structure interaction between slender hierachical structures and viscous capillary flow.
The research findings have been disseminated through high-impact publications and recognized through an award, underscoring the significance and impact of the research endeavors.
In this work package, the focus shifted to studying ribbed sheets that mimic the structure of the annulus in the fern sporangium, revealing a rich physics when impregnated with a liquid.
A protocol was developed to manufacture thin textured sheets using techniques such as 3D printing of molds and spincoating for controlling thickness.
Collaboration was initiated with Dr. Jean Cappello, an expert in small-scale capillary flows, to leverage his expertise in the research.
Through experiments, three distinct deformation modes of the sheet were identified as the liquid evaporated, and an analytical model was developed to explain these observations.
A noteworthy finding was the ability to precisely program the deformed shape by manipulating the geometry of the textures on the sheet.
The research culminated in a publication in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) and the receipt of the International Bionic Award from the Association of the German Engineers (VDI) for outstanding contributions to biomimetics.
Work Package 2: Bumblebee tongue
The first subtask focused on investigating the impregnation of soft brushes, which uncovered a previously unreported subcritical transition to coalescence of fibers as they were withdrawn from a liquid bath.
Collaboration with Fabian Brau led to the development of an analytical model that explained this phenomenon, and the results were published in Extreme Mechanics Letters.
Dynamical aspects of the study, particularly the impact of withdrawal speed on capillary "Cheerios" force, are currently being reviewed for publication in Physical Review Letters.
The second subtask, which involves the impregnation of controlled soft hairy surfaces, is currently ongoing, with experiments and simulations being conducted to characterize different regimes based on hair network geometry, elasticity, bath viscosity, and withdrawal speed.
Work Package 3: Design of innovative structures
Ribbed sheets with intriguing mechanical properties were designed and characterized, highlighting a strong coupling between stretching and bending in these structures.
The optimal geometry of the ribs was determined to maximize this effect. The research outcomes resulted in a publication in Physical Review Letters and recognition in Physics Magazine through a synopsis.
Furthermore, iI demonstrated that these ribbed sheets could be utilized to program 3D structures through the evaporation of an infused liquid.
Overall, the work performed during this project has advanced the understanding of fluid-structure interaction between slender hierachical structures and viscous capillary flow.
The research findings have been disseminated through high-impact publications and recognized through an award, underscoring the significance and impact of the research endeavors.
The project has made significant progress beyond the state of the art by uncovering novel physics and developing innovative approaches in the fields of thin textured sheets, impregnation processes, and biomimetic design. The exploration of ribbed sheets and their ability to mimic natural structures, such as the fern sporangium, represents an interesting development, shedding light on previously unexplored phenomena.
From a socio-economic perspective, the project's findings hold promise for practical applications and innovations. The ability to program the deformed shape of textured sheets opens up possibilities in areas such as advanced material manufacturing, flexible electronics, and microfluidics, where precise control over shape and functionality is crucial.
Moreover, the project's emphasis on biomimetic design and understanding nature's mechanisms has broader societal implications. By unraveling the principles behind natural phenomena, such as the impregnation processes observed in bumblebee tongues, this research can inspire new approaches to engineering, architecture, and materials science, promoting sustainable and efficient designs that draw inspiration from nature's efficiency and elegance.
From a socio-economic perspective, the project's findings hold promise for practical applications and innovations. The ability to program the deformed shape of textured sheets opens up possibilities in areas such as advanced material manufacturing, flexible electronics, and microfluidics, where precise control over shape and functionality is crucial.
Moreover, the project's emphasis on biomimetic design and understanding nature's mechanisms has broader societal implications. By unraveling the principles behind natural phenomena, such as the impregnation processes observed in bumblebee tongues, this research can inspire new approaches to engineering, architecture, and materials science, promoting sustainable and efficient designs that draw inspiration from nature's efficiency and elegance.