Biomechanical modeling of extreme animal movements

Certain biological organisms use elastic energy to drive repeatable, ultra-fast motion. For example, some species of mantis shrimp can accelerate their hammer-like appendages 10,000 g's of acceleration, reaching speeds of up to 65 mph (underwater!). These organisms outperform engineered systems of a comparable size, and therefore provide an opportunity to guide improvements in micro-robotics. We have recently uncovered some of the key mechanical principles of these types of organisms using a simplified model. Typically, slow muscle contractions store elastic energy into spring-like elements. A biological latch is used to hold the energy and mediate a sudden unloading of the spring-like elements, delivering energy at extraordinary rates that circumvents power limitations of direct muscle-driven motion.

In this project, we will work with our collaborators in biology, materials science, and robotics to further develop our model of spring-driven biomechanics. We will apply this model to biological case studies that include different species of mantis shrimp. We will also use the model in parallel with small jumping robots to uncover principles of robotic design applicable to these systems.

Essay Prompt - What interests you about this research and what do you hope to get out of the research experience?