Biomimetic Engineering Analysis of Heliotropic Plants

Abstract

Biomimetics is the field of study that identifies potential useful biological processes and mechanisms in nature and translates these principles into the engineering domain.  Utilizing natures abilities has proven to be a powerful and useful mechanism for innovation, and has led to profound technical advancements and capabilities in applied science disciplines and fields. The main objective of this paper is to introduce a Biomimicry analysis of the plants ability to maintain optimal sunlight in order to maximize the photosynthesis process. The main components and factors that enable heliotropism are discussed as well as the governing physics describing the processes needed in order for this phenomenon to occur in nature. The reader should emerge from this paper with an understanding of how plants are induced by sunlight as well as the long-term possibility of replicating this phenomenon for human purposes.