Investigating the Architecture and Characteristics of Asian Hornet Nests: A Biomimetics Examination of Structure and Materials
This study investigates the internal architecture of Asian hornet nests (AHNs) using advanced imaging techniques, such as CT scanning and X-ray radiography, to understand their construction and function. The primary objective and significance of this study centre on drawing inspiration from the crea...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-11-01
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| Series: | Materials |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/21/7027 |
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| author | Naim Sedira Jorge Pinto Mário Ginja Ana P. Gomes Miguel C. S. Nepomuceno Sandra Pereira |
| author_facet | Naim Sedira Jorge Pinto Mário Ginja Ana P. Gomes Miguel C. S. Nepomuceno Sandra Pereira |
| author_sort | Naim Sedira |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study investigates the internal architecture of Asian hornet nests (AHNs) using advanced imaging techniques, such as CT scanning and X-ray radiography, to understand their construction and function. The primary objective and significance of this study centre on drawing inspiration from the creative way Asian hornets construct their nests, with a particular focus on the architecture, design, functionality, and building materials of these nests. The architectural principles governing the construction of these nests, such as the arrangement of hexagonal cells, pedicels for load bearing, and adhesive materials, serve as a source of inspiration for innovative and sustainable design practices. The pedicels in Asian hornet nests play a crucial role in transferring load and ensuring stability. Additionally, AHNs’ adhesion to tree branches is essential for preventing collapse, and the pedicels provide necessary structural support. The knowledge gained from studying AHNs’ internal architecture could be applied directly to the architecture and civil engineering fields to improve structure stability and durability. The microstructure analysis of the paper-like material that hornets produce to build their nests indicates a complex and heterogeneous structure, composed of various plant fragments and fibres. This unique composition creates intricate grooves and pores, which are essential for regulating temperature and humidity levels within the outer envelope of the nest. The study of Asian hornet nests’ internal structure demonstrated that nature’s engineering principles inspire the design of durable and resilient structures in the construction industry. Civil engineers can incorporate similar principles into their designs to enhance the structural integrity and performance of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-11T11:25:45Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-d65be53324cf4babaecea79abda6fcae |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1996-1944 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-11T11:25:45Z |
| publishDate | 2023-11-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Materials |
| spelling | doaj.art-d65be53324cf4babaecea79abda6fcae2023-11-10T15:07:41ZengMDPI AGMaterials1996-19442023-11-011621702710.3390/ma16217027Investigating the Architecture and Characteristics of Asian Hornet Nests: A Biomimetics Examination of Structure and MaterialsNaim Sedira0Jorge Pinto1Mário Ginja2Ana P. Gomes3Miguel C. S. Nepomuceno4Sandra Pereira5University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, PortugalUniversity of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, PortugalUniversity of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, PortugalUniversity of Beira Interior (UBI), 6201-001 Covilhã, PortugalC-MADE–Centre of Materials and Building Technologies, UBI, 6201-001 Covilhã, PortugalUniversity of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, PortugalThis study investigates the internal architecture of Asian hornet nests (AHNs) using advanced imaging techniques, such as CT scanning and X-ray radiography, to understand their construction and function. The primary objective and significance of this study centre on drawing inspiration from the creative way Asian hornets construct their nests, with a particular focus on the architecture, design, functionality, and building materials of these nests. The architectural principles governing the construction of these nests, such as the arrangement of hexagonal cells, pedicels for load bearing, and adhesive materials, serve as a source of inspiration for innovative and sustainable design practices. The pedicels in Asian hornet nests play a crucial role in transferring load and ensuring stability. Additionally, AHNs’ adhesion to tree branches is essential for preventing collapse, and the pedicels provide necessary structural support. The knowledge gained from studying AHNs’ internal architecture could be applied directly to the architecture and civil engineering fields to improve structure stability and durability. The microstructure analysis of the paper-like material that hornets produce to build their nests indicates a complex and heterogeneous structure, composed of various plant fragments and fibres. This unique composition creates intricate grooves and pores, which are essential for regulating temperature and humidity levels within the outer envelope of the nest. The study of Asian hornet nests’ internal structure demonstrated that nature’s engineering principles inspire the design of durable and resilient structures in the construction industry. Civil engineers can incorporate similar principles into their designs to enhance the structural integrity and performance of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/21/7027biomimeticsconstructionarchitecturevespa velutina nigrithoraxeco-materialCT scan |
| spellingShingle | Naim Sedira Jorge Pinto Mário Ginja Ana P. Gomes Miguel C. S. Nepomuceno Sandra Pereira Investigating the Architecture and Characteristics of Asian Hornet Nests: A Biomimetics Examination of Structure and Materials Materials biomimetics construction architecture vespa velutina nigrithorax eco-material CT scan |
| title | Investigating the Architecture and Characteristics of Asian Hornet Nests: A Biomimetics Examination of Structure and Materials |
| title_full | Investigating the Architecture and Characteristics of Asian Hornet Nests: A Biomimetics Examination of Structure and Materials |
| title_fullStr | Investigating the Architecture and Characteristics of Asian Hornet Nests: A Biomimetics Examination of Structure and Materials |
| title_full_unstemmed | Investigating the Architecture and Characteristics of Asian Hornet Nests: A Biomimetics Examination of Structure and Materials |
| title_short | Investigating the Architecture and Characteristics of Asian Hornet Nests: A Biomimetics Examination of Structure and Materials |
| title_sort | investigating the architecture and characteristics of asian hornet nests a biomimetics examination of structure and materials |
| topic | biomimetics construction architecture vespa velutina nigrithorax eco-material CT scan |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/21/7027 |
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