Kinematic principles and motion design in shape-shifting plant structures (A04)

• Subject Area: Evolution and Systematics of Plants and Fungi ; Applied Mechanics, Statics and Dynamics
• Term: from 2014 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 231064407

The project studied the compliant kinematics of several biological role models with respect to kinematics, functional morphology and biomechanics (Aldrovanda vesiculosa, Utricularia-spp. and various mutants of the Venus flytrap). In the next funding period, the project will focus on planar and corrugated plant structures performing complex global bending deformations by active and/or passive actuation. Our aim is to establish a theoretical motion design framework in which mechanisms of shape-shifting between the initial and final structural states can not only be modelled and analysed, but also specifically designed.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 141: Biological Design and Integrative Structures. Analysis, Simulation and Implementation in Architecture
• Applicant Institution: Universität Stuttgart
• Project Heads: Professor Dr.-Ing. Manfred Bischoff; Professor Dr.-Ing. Jan Knippers, until 6/2018; Professor Dr. Thomas Speck