Question

Many objects designed by engineers have "circulatory systems" of one type or another. Describe at least three or four examples. Why do engineers sometimes include systems of flowing fluids in objects they design? We often hear it said that animal systems can teach us how to design engineered systems. If you were a biologist teaching a group of engineers about the lessons of animal circulatory systems, what principles would you emphasize?

Short answer

Engineered objects with 'circulatory systems' may include a car's cooling system, an engine's lubrication system, or a refrigerator's water circulation system. These systems distribute substances evenly, cool or lubricate moving parts. Biologists could emphasize to engineers the importance of a central pump, a network of distribution channels, and the efficiency of closed systems, mirroring the principles observed in biological circulatory systems.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying Objects with 'Circulatory Systems'

Identify and describe objects designed by engineers that have systems similar to circulatory systems. Some examples can be a cooling system in a car, the lubrication system in an engine, or the water circulation system in a refrigerator.

Purpose of Circulatory Systems in Engineering

Explain why engineers include systems of flowing fluids in objects they design. Most of these systems are included to distribute substances evenly, cool parts of the system or lubricate moving parts. For example, the cooling system in a car circulates coolant to prevent the engine from overheating, and the lubrication system distributes oil to reduce friction.

Taking Inspiration from Biological Circulatory Systems

Discuss the principles a biologist would bring to engineers from animal circulatory systems. Principles may include: the importance of a pump (like the heart), a network of distribution channels (like blood vessels), and the effectiveness of closed systems for efficient circulation.

Key concepts

Biomimicry in Engineering Design

The concept of biomimicry in engineering design is grounded on the belief that nature, through billions of years of evolution, has already solved many problems that engineers are faced with today. By observing and taking inspiration from biological systems, engineers can create solutions that are sustainable, efficient and innovative. For example, the study of bird flight has influenced the design of aeronautical engineering, and the structure of termite mounds, which maintain a constant internal temperature, has informed passive cooling strategies in architecture.

Furthermore, animal circulatory systems teach us the importance of creating designs that can effectively transport fluids or gases to various parts needed for maximum efficiency. Think of the human heart pushing blood through arteries and veins, or the way trees pull water and nutrients from roots to leaves.

• Efficient energy use mimics how the heart precisely modulates the force of contraction to match body needs.
• Adaptation of system pathways, akin to how blood vessels can widen or narrow, provides insights into designing adjustable fluid distribution channels.
• Damage tolerance, inspired by how a biological system might seal a leak in a vessel, helps engineers design safeguards into circulation systems.

These principles from nature are not just copies but often lead to original approaches tailored for specific engineering challenges.

Engineered Circulatory Systems

The concept of engineered circulatory systems lifts directly from the comparison to biological circulatory systems. These systems are engineered to mimic the function of delivering essential materials to various parts of a structure or machine. Consider the engine of a car: by utilizing a system that circulates cooling fluid, the engine maintains optimal temperatures much like blood regulates body heat.

Similarly, central heating systems circulate warm water to maintain comfortable temperatures in buildings. To engineers, the construction of such systems demands a clear understanding of the principles that govern their biological counterparts.

• The role of a pump in sustaining fluid motion is akin to the heart in animal systems.
• Efficient distribution relies on a well-designed network of channels, similar to arteries and veins.
• Keeping the system closed wherever possible to maintain pressure and prevent contaminants from entering mirrors the integrity of the body's circulatory system.

These engineered systems often require precise control mechanisms to emulate the responsiveness found in living organisms, an area where insights from biology can drive innovation.

Fluid Distribution Systems

Discussing fluid distribution systems, we delve into the technical intricacies that make engineered systems operate seamlessly. Just as the body's circulatory system distributes nutrients and removes waste, engineered systems have to move fluids — such as water, oil, or refrigerant — efficiently from a source to various endpoints. The challenges here include avoiding energy loss, maintaining pressure, preventing blockages, and regulating flow.

Minimizing Turbulence

Considering blood flow, engineers learn the value of smooth channel walls and laminar flow to reduce resistance and enhance efficiency.

Redundancy and Reliability

Just like the body has means of compensating for a blocked vessel, engineered systems are designed with backup routes.

Responsive Control Systems

Mimicking the body's homeostatic principles, these systems use sensors and switches to maintain stable conditions.

Ultimately, the goal of fluid distribution systems is to ensure the harmonious operation of all connected parts, using principles of balance and control borrowed from the study of living organisms.