Nature has long inspired human innovation, from the invention of Velcro based on the hook-and-loop mechanism of burrs to the development of high-speed trains modeled after the streamlined shape of kingfishers. While some engineering feats are explicitly designed to emulate nature through a process known as biomimicry, other resemblances emerge by coincidence as a result of convergent evolution. An intriguing example of this phenomenon is the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber’s resemblance to a falcon in flight.
The B-2 Bomber Design:
The B-2 Spirit, developed by Northrop Grumman, is a stealth bomber designed to minimize radar visibility and enhance its stealth capabilities. Its unique “flying wing” shape prioritizes aerodynamic efficiency over any intentional resemblance to natural forms. Any similarities between the B-2 bomber and a falcon are purely coincidental, as the design process focused on achieving stealth capabilities rather than emulating a specific animal.
This is Not Biomimicry:
Biomimicry refers to the deliberate emulation of nature’s strategies, designs, or patterns in human-made systems and technologies. In some cases, engineers and designers intentionally look to nature for inspiration, applying principles learned from living organisms to develop more efficient and effective solutions. However, in the case of the B-2 bomber, the resemblance to a falcon is coincidental and not a result of deliberate biomimicry. The design process prioritized stealth and aerodynamic efficiency, rather than modeling the aircraft after any specific animal or natural form.
Convergent Evolution:
The resemblance between the B-2 bomber and a falcon can be attributed to convergent evolution, where unrelated organisms or designs independently evolve similar features due to similar functional requirements or constraints. In this case, both the aircraft and the bird are shaped by the need for efficient flight and aerodynamic performance. This independent evolution highlights the fact that nature often provides effective solutions to various challenges.
Introducing Convergent Bioengineering:
While the term “convergent bioengineering” is not widely used, perhaps it should be. The concept emphasizes the convergence of engineering solutions with biological forms, even when the design process does not explicitly intend to mimic a natural form, as seen with the B-2 bomber and the falcon. This term could serve as a useful descriptor for situations where engineering solutions independently evolve to resemble features found in nature.
Look Around!
Nature has long been a source of inspiration and a model for efficient design. Convergent bioengineering, as exemplified by the B-2 bomber’s unintentional resemblance to a falcon, underscores the idea that nature often holds the answers to complex engineering challenges. By studying and understanding the principles that govern natural systems, we can continue to develop innovative and efficient solutions to the challenges we face in the world of engineering and beyond. By looking around us, we see many examples of Biomimicry and Convergent Bioengineering. Can you find some? Are there things in nature you think we should model our inventions after to save time and money engineering better products?