On biomimetics in machine elements design

Abstract

In this paper the discussion and the results of the application of biomimetics principles in machine elements are given. The basic definitions and history of the developing of this discipline are presented. The biomimetics is one of the inter-disciplinary disciplines which reach their full attention during last decade. The engineers are realizing the benefits which can be gained by the biomimetics principles according with the new requirements in machine design such as: size reduction, energy efficiency increasing and higher reliability. Therefore, biomimetics has intents to grow up in a new and progressive discipline widely use in design based on the nature design as inspiration. As the example of the machine elements design based on the biomimetics principles, the new design for the transition zone of the particular high loaded shaft is developed and analyzed. The new design is inspired with the design solutions which Nature made in the case of trees. The comparative Finite Element Analysis is performed for both transition zone designs: the traditional engineering design and the design based on the biomimetics. The conclusions about the increased load capacity obtained with innovative biomimetics design are discussed.