First try+ fail 

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Today, we...

1. Drew our exterior sketch
2. Finished building the infrastructure

Today, we finalized our idea and decided how we are going to make our special roof. After receiving advice from Ms. M and combining both of the roof ideas we had before, we are going to make a self-repairable roof where one piece falls off; it will be a second piece automatically delivered to fill the hole.

Topic: Fire Safety

Idea: Giant Sequoia-inspired infrastructure

Problem: Fire burns and destroys infrastructure, causing casualties and huge economic losses. When inhaling smoke from wildfires, humans can experience serious cardiovascular issues, including heart attack or heart failure.

Solution: We are using the property of Giant Sequoia trees to make infrastructure fire-resistant (takes much longer time to burn, less likely to burn) and not release harmful gas when burned.

Properties Biomimicking: 

Giant Sequoia trees –

• Thick, fire-resistant bark that protects vital inner layers.

• High moisture content in wood, slowing combustion.

Design: 

Inner Core: Mimicking Giant Sequoia Bark

• Use a bark texture on wood to emulate the thick sequoia bark.

• Incorporate moisture-retaining gel layers to emulate high-moisture content of sequoia bark.

Self-Watering System:

• Install an automated watering system on the exterior that mimics natural moisture retention of sequoia wood.

• Use sensors to maintain consistent wood moisture levels and activate water sprinklers during high heat.

Topic: Energy & Efficiency

Idea: Peregrine Falcon-Inspired Wind Turbine

Problem: We (me and Charlie) noticed that many small wind turbines are noisy and struggle at low wind speeds, making them less efficient and sometimes bothersome to nearby residents. They are not energy efficient. 

Solution: By designing turbine blades inspired by the streamlined, pointed wings of the peregrine falcon, we can reduce noise and start spinning at lower wind speeds. We can utilize nature’s aerodynamic designs to improve renewable energy technology. We can use lightweight, flexible materials that mimic the flexibility of peregrine falcon feathers. We can monitor wind patterns and adjust the blade angle for optimal performance, similar to how the falcon adjusts its wings during flight.

Idea: Starfish and Humpback Whale Fin-Inspired Tidal Turbine

Problem: We (me and Charlie) noticed that conventional tidal turbines lose efficiency in slower or changing ocean currents, wasting potential energy.

Solution: By mimicking the tubercle-like bumps on humpback whale fins, we can improve water flow over the turbine blades, increasing torque and boosting energy output even in low-flow conditions. In addition, by mimicking the adhesive starfish produces to stick to the ocean floor, we can prevent the tidal turbine from getting swept away by currents.