Project details
Biomimetics, the practical application of ideas and concepts extracted from the study of biological systems, has seen a growing field of interest as a route for innovation over the last twenty years and continues to attract design practitioners.

From a design and engineering perspective, biomimetics embody major technical challenges, from understanding biological studies of function through to emulation of behaviours, replication of materials, scale of fabrication, and manufacture. From an integrated Design perspective, concept generation, proof of principle exploration, prototyping, and evaluation remain a demanding and resource intensive activity.

For bio-inspired principles to be validated, physical prototyping and exploration of contemporary manufacturing methods and materials need to be developed and explored. Additive Manufacturing (also known as 3D Printing) offers the opportunity to replicate integrated forms at small scale, such as capillary connectivity for micro-fluidics, surface and edge textures to facilitate fluid flow and aerodynamics, and the use of complex sustainable materials for applications such as soft robotics and self-healing polymers.

Invitations are invited from PhD candidates from with a Design Engineering background with creative ideas to focus on exploring and developing effective applications of biomimetic principles for modern manufacturing processes where scale and functionality present substantial challenges. The candidate should have strong CAD skills and an excellent knowledge of materials and integrated technologies for prototyping applications.

You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it