Think Like A Scientist

Researchers at MIT have developed a new type of nano-textured, functional glass that resists fogging, virtually eliminates glare, and self-cleans. MIT researchers Kyoo-Chal Park, Hyungiyul Choi and colleagues looked at nature for their idea, specifically the Zebra plant. The Zebra plant contains conical structures that repel water. The MIT researchers developed a method to embed an array of steeply angled cones on the surface of glass. The material can be used for anything from solar panels to future car windshields, and gadgets with screens. For more information about the latest use of biomimicry check out the Popular Science article by Rebecca Boyle here.

On May 4th, 2011 SpaceShip Two, the world’s first commercial spaceship designed by Burt Rutan, demonstrated its unique reentry “feathered” configuration for the first time. After a 45 minute climb to 51,500 feet, SpaceShip Two was released from Whiteknight Two, VMS Eve. After establishing a stable glide the test pilots deployed the “feathered ” configuration by rotating the tail section of the vehicle upwards to a 65 degree angle to the fuselage. SpaceShip Two remained in this configuration for 1 minute and 15 seconds. While descending almost vertically, at around 15,500 feet per minute. SpaceShip Two was slowed by the powerful shuttlecock-like drag created by the raised tail section. This design is based on the shuttlecock used in badminton. I’m curious as to what model from nature Man borrowed from in designing the badminton shuttlecock. I suspect Archaeopteryx may have been a likely model. For further details about the first “feathered” reentry of SpaceShip Two see Virgin Galactic site here.