Reflecting the current interest in finding environmentally friendly solutions which also optimize the use of natural resources, this book contains edited papers presented at a recent
conference. Papers describe engineering and architectural applications of engineering design based on designs found in nature. Material is organized in sections on biometrics, shape and form in
engineering nature, nature and architectural design, natural materials and surfaces, complexity, and education. Some specific topics include biomimetics of gecko locomotion, a spray system
inspired by the bombardier beetle, the golden ratio in fluid dynamics, and dissipative structures in nature and human systems. B&w photos and images are included. The book is for
researchers and others interested in the study of natural materials, organisms, processes, and their significance for design in the world today. There is no subject index. Brebbia is affiliated
with the Wessex Institute of Technology, UK. The US office of WIT Press is Computational Mechanics. Annotation 穢2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
