On a path toward structures with reconfigurable circulatory systems

William W. Clark; Brad Boyerinas; Lisa Weiland; Sung Kwon Cho; Chris Bielawski; Eric Beckman

doi:10.1117/12.714924

17 April 2007 On a path toward structures with reconfigurable circulatory systems

William W. Clark, Brad Boyerinas, Lisa Weiland, Sung Kwon Cho, Chris Bielawski, Eric Beckman

Proceedings Volume 6526, Behavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional and Composite Materials 2007; 65261H (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.714924
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2007, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

In order to provide structures with new and better characteristics, researchers often look to biological systems for inspiration. One trait that many biological system have that conventional structures do not is a circulatory system, which can be used for many purposes, one of which is the transport of structural material. This paper explores the benefits of transporting structural material for the purpose of changing the structure's static and dynamic characteristics. Several scenarios are explored, including the transport of non-load-bearing mass (mass transport) to load-bearing mass (termed stiffness transport). It is argued that stiffness transport, while more complex than simply moving mass within a structure, affords the same features as mass transport, along with several unconventional and particularly useful abilities.

Citation Download Citation

William W. Clark, Brad Boyerinas, Lisa Weiland, Sung Kwon Cho, Chris Bielawski, and Eric Beckman "On a path toward structures with reconfigurable circulatory systems", Proc. SPIE 6526, Behavior and Mechanics of Multifunctional and Composite Materials 2007, 65261H (17 April 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.714924

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