Biomimetic Materials & Devices
Muscular hydrostats are ideal for bio-inspired design for new and advanced soft robotics. Robots that contain no hard joints or parts (just like the elephant doesn't have joints or bones inside the trunk)
Entangled Collagen in the Trunk's Dermis
Elephant trunks are unique compared to the other muscular hydrostats as they contain two nasal passageways running the span of the elephant trunk. These passageways allow the elephant to use their trunk as a snorkel when traversing deep water. They also provide support for the elephant to suction water and food into their trunk using a vacuum seal from a muscle and cartilage mechanism in their head giving them the ability to close off their trunk so water does not impact their breathing.
Bio-inspired Materials using Knitted Fabrics
Elephant skin contains folds and wrinkles along the trunk which allow them strength with flexibility. We are examining how the geometry, macro and micro material properties contribute to the skin's ability to elongate and shorten.
Entangled Collagen in the Trunk's Dermis
Elephant trunks are unique compared to the other muscular hydrostats as they contain two nasal passageways running the span of the elephant trunk. These passageways allow the elephant to use their trunk as a snorkel when traversing deep water. They also provide support for the elephant to suction water and food into their trunk using a vacuum seal from a muscle and cartilage mechanism in their head, giving them the ability to close off their trunk so water does not impact their breathing.