Every year I run a project course in the summer for students who do
biomechanics projects.  They have done a course on mechanical design in
organisms but this is their first stab at a project.  They do the
project in groups of 3 or 4.  There are typically 10 or so projects
(this year's offerings are listed below.  They might change or we may
add some).
Their results are presented at a symposium on June 22nd, to which you
are invited!  Please let me know well beforehand if you want to come and
I'll send you details separately.

Julian Vincent


Here are the projects:

1. Mechanical properties of fibres in lime (Tilia) bark.  The bark of
lime trees contains fibres which might be used for making ropes and
string.  Investigate the fibres and decide why they are present in the
bark.
2. Resonant properties of insect wings.  When an insect flies it flaps
its wings at a well-defined frequency.  In such systems, resonance is
used to reduce the energy requirement.  Investigate large and small
insects.
3. Sponge spicules.  Some sponges have very long silicious spicules.
What are their properties and how do they contribute to the integrity of
the sponge?
4. Roots in hydroponics.   Roots growing in water don’t have to push
against the soil.  Does this affect   their mechanical properties?  Does
this affect  the plant if you pot it on into compost or soil?
5. Growth of leaves.   Measure the growth of simple leaves such as
beech, hornbeam, hickory or sweet chestnut.  Measure the orientation of
cellulose in the epidermis.  How are these two measurements related (if
at all)?
6. Twist/bend ratio of flower stems.  Compare this ratio in stems of
flowers (or other plants) growing in sheltered and exposed places.  Is
there an ecological correlate for this simple mechanical property?
7. TRIZ in biology.  How can biology be integrated into this
problem-solving system?  Does it produce better results than just
"thinking"?
8. Camouflage.  Using field observations and computer-generated model
systems, evaluate the importance of colour, movement and texture in the
effectiveness of camouflage.
9. Zinc in insects.  Many insects incorporate zinc or manganese into
their cuticle to improve the durability.  This can also be done in vitro
using maggot cuticles.   What mechanical and other properties are
affected?
10. Locomotory plasticity.  By means of ablation experiments and video
recording investigate the mechanics of swimming in a water bug.





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