The nature provides a rich portfolio of optimal problem solutions, which were developed by evolution over millions of years. The scientific discipline biomimetics attempts to make the knowledge of biology available for technical implementation and application. Coming from a technical problem the search for a biological solution in nature is very difficult, because the organization of knowledge of both disciplines of science differ highly and therefore they get inscrutable for each other.

In the context of our research it is to be shown, that biomimetics can be characterized as an interdisciplinary discipline between biology and engineering science. Because interdisciplinary disciplines usually differ highly in their understanding of problem definitions, their terminology and semantic definitions, their models for further discussion, their methods and quality criteria from their including disciplines, they will be developed and adapted concretely for biomimetics.

Special attention is turned besides modeling approaches to interdisciplinary communications and the transfer of knowledge, because they are significant for an effective application of biomimetics. Therefore the relationships of the elementary tribological parameters are modeled by different techniques, semantic networks amongst others, and made available for the organization and management of knowledge to overcome barriers in technical terminology.

The result of research will be the development of a methodology, which will support a mechanical engineer in a nature-inspired product development in the field of activating innovative ideas. The systematic proceeding will be implemented in a CAI (computer aided innovation) software tool and it will significantly advance the transfer for problem solving from biology in the field of "Technology Pull" (VDI 6220).

 Contact: Dipl.-Ing. Steffen Vagts