Beetle Bumps

Beetle bumps inspire bigger and faster water droplets.

10:46 26 February 2016

Scientists have drawn inspiration from the bumpy shells of Namib beetles to improve water harvesting and electricity generation. By copying the insect’s shell geometry, researchers were able to make drops grow six times faster.

 

Although a little drop of water may seem insignificant, the process that involves the movement and formation of the liquid are essential to the operation of thermal power plants, desalination and air conditioning systems.

 

"We experimentally found that the geometry of bumps alone could facilitate condensation," said Kyoo-Chul Park, a postdoctoral researcher and the first author of the paper.

 

"By optimising that bump shape through detailed theoretical modelling and combining it with the asymmetry of cactus spines and the nearly friction-free coatings of pitcher plants, we were able to design a material that can collect and transport a greater volume of water in a short time compared to other surfaces."

 

The development could also benefit power generation.

 

"Thermal power plants, for example, rely on condensers to quickly convert steam to liquid water," said another co-author Philseok Kim.

 

"This design could help speed up that process and even allow for operation at a higher temperature, significantly improving the overall energy efficiency."