Transportation:
Hierarchal
Structure
Lucy Zuo
Nature holds many lessons for creating
extremely light-weight but strong
structures.
The natural hierarchical structure refers to the
use of geometrical structure instead of material
for strength and elasticity, significantly
reducing the amount of material needed to
address the functional challenge.
Unlike man-made structures, wood, tendon,
bamboo and bones all share inherent
heterogeneity of biological materials and
hierarchical composition, which are known to
enhance material properties such as elasticity,
damage tolerance and toughness.
Giant Danish water lilies are known for their
thin structures, but can support the weight of a
child. The rigidity is provided by the radiating rib
structures and furrow configuration.