Force transmission and actuation in the transition zone between rod-shaped and planar elements (A03)

• Subject Area: Structural Engineering, Building Informatics and Construction Operation ; Evolution and Systematics of Plants and Fungi ; Materials in Sintering Processes and Generative Manufacturing Processes
• Term: from 2014 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 231064407

The project investigated mechanisms of plants and invertebrates exhibiting adaptive stiffness and joint-free movements in rod-like systems. The first funding period showed that the turgor-driven mechanism of plant cells has a markedly higher potential for transfer to hydraulic or pneumatic actuators. In the second funding period, we, therefore, will exclusively concentrate on plants as role models and our focus will be extended to planar organs (i.e. laminae, petals). Special focus will be laid on the transition zone between the two (petiole-lamina-transitions in plants) and how this can be transferred to bioinspired systems for architecture.

• 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. Oliver Betz, until 6/2018; Professor Dr.-Ing. Götz T. Gresser; Professor Dr.-Ing. Jan Knippers; Professor Oliver Röhrle, Ph.D., until 6/2018; Dr. Olga Speck