BIOMIMETICS AND THE ECHINOID SKELETON. A REVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONAL MORPHOLOGICAL INTERPRETATIONS OF SKELETAL ORGANIZATION AND THEIR POTENTIAL UTILIZATION IN TECHNICAL APPLICATIONS

Biomimetics is based on studying natural objects to deduce underlying functions and working principles which potentially can be used to derive novel technical applications. Such studies have led well-known technical solutions such emulating shark skin morphology for reducing drag in fluids, as well self-cleaning surfaces based on hydrophobic plant tissues. When shells are concerned, both biologist and paleontologist can profit from studies concerning morphological features and functional interpretations, as well as from the methods and insights of engineering including modelling and visualization techniques.

The multi-plated echinoid skeleton has been a welcome study object for such biomimetic studies and has been interpreted with respect to, among others: self-supporting pressurized membranes; modular, multi-plated amalgamates, thin-skinned vaults emulating monolithic shells. This review will focus on studies thus far on echinoid skeletons, present new research with respect to stability of clypeasteroid skeletons, and showcase some models derived from cooperation with civil engineers and architects. Furthermore, the potential for biomimetic research based on fossil shells will be reviewed.