The Gecko's Foot: Bio-inspiration: Engineering New Materials from Nature

Book Description

A riveting account of the unexpected relationship between nature and scientific design.

"Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you." When Frank Lloyd Wright said this, he probably wasn't envisioning self-cleaning surfaces, the photonic crystal, or Velcro. But nature has indeed yielded such inventions for those scientists and engineers who heeded the architect's words.

The cutting-edge science of bio-inspiration gives way to architectural and product designs that mimic intricate mechanisms found in nature. In Peter Forbes's engaging book we discover that the spiny fruits of the cocklebur inspired the hook-and-loop fastener known as Velcro; unfolding leaves, insect wings, and space solar panels share similar origami folding patterns; the self-cleaning leaves of the sacred lotus plant have spawned a new industry of self-cleaning surfaces; and cantilever bridges have much in common with bison spines.

As we continue to study nature, bio-inspiration will transform our lives and force us to look at the world in a new way. 69 illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

THE GECKO'S FOOT draws direct links between bioresearch and consumer interests.......2006-10-15

Bio-engineering builds intricate structures based on nature's properties, using 'wet' self-assembly techniques of nature - and this new science is explored rarely for general audiences, making THE GECKO'S FOOT: BIO-INSPIRATION-ENGINEERING NEW MATERIALS FROM NATURE a winning discussion. From the origins of Velcro in the notorious spiny cocklebur to how self-cleaning leaves fostered self-cleaning surface inventions, THE GECKO'S FOOT draws direct links between bioresearch and consumer interests.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

British English.......2006-08-28

Be aware that this was originally published in Britain, and few, if any, of the "Britishisms" are Americanised (or is that Americanized?). An example is the British "tip": this should have been changed to "garbage dump" for the American edition.

Interesting topic........2006-08-15

This book is about bio-inspiration for human technology. It is a very interesting subject, but I had some problems with the execution. For example, the chapters seemed to jump arounds a bit, I didn't get a sense of "flow" from chapter to chapter. There were also some factual errors, the most noticable to me being that "helicopters don't fly in the grand canyon". Since I have done so on a tour, I know this statement to be false. Additionally, the author doesn't go very deeply into the science behind the topics he covers. I suppose he may have just been trying to keep it simple, but anyone buying this book is probably a science nerd, and a little more technical information would be welcome.

Fairly unique topic, Well-told.......2006-06-21

In one of the few books ("Pulse" is another good choice) that focus on bio-inspired processes and products, Forbes explains some interesting applications inspired by lotus, desert beetles, spider silk, and a whole bunch of other examples from Nature. Each chapter focuses on one specific product or theme and hence is fairly independent of the other chapters and can be essentially read in any specific order. The discussion does sometimes may get too technical for a non-science background reader, especially some of the diagrams. However, the discussion in itself is very clear and the reader obtains a good sense of appreciation of the products being envisaged from a particular "inspiration". Excellent information. A must read.

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Emerging Food R&D Report, published by Thomson Gale on January 1, 2006. The length of the article is 436 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Database covers aroma compounds.
Publication: Emerging Food R&D Report (Newsletter)
Date: January 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 16 Issue: 10 Page: NA

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

Containing important new material unavailable previously in book form, this book covers a wide variety of topics which will be great interest to applied mathematicians and engineers. Introducing the main ideas, background material is provided on Fourier analysis, Hilbert spaces, and their bases, before the book moves on to discuss more complex topics and their applications.

Mathematical Methods for Engineers and Scientists 3: Fourier Analysis, Partial Differential Equations and Variational Methods

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Mathematical Methods for Engineers and Scientists 3: Fourier Analysis, Partial Differential Equations and Variational Methods
K.T. Tang
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 3540446958

Book Description

Pedagogical insights gained through 30 years of teaching applied mathematics led the author to write this set of student oriented books. Topics such as complex analysis, matrix theory, vector and tensor analysis, Fourier analysis, integral transforms, ordinary and partial differential equations are presented in a discursive style that is readable and easy to follow. Numerous clearly stated, completely worked out examples together with carefully selected problem sets with answers are used to enhance students' understanding and manipulative skill. The goal is to make students comfortable and confident in using advanced mathematical tools in junior, senior, and beginning graduate courses.

The Theory of the Moire (Computational Imaging and Vision)

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the best introduction to moire theory so far

The Theory of the Moire (Computational Imaging and Vision)
I. Amidror
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Optical Designs in Motion with Moire Overlays (Dover Pictorial Archive)

ASIN: 0792359496

Book Description

This book presents the most comprehensive and methodical work on the theory of the moiré phenomenon, providing a full general-purpose and application-independent exposition of this fascinating effect. Based on the Fourier theory, it leads the reader through the various phenomena which occur in the superposition of repetitive layers, both in the image and in the spectral domains. The first chapters of the book present the basic theory, covering the superposition of monochrome, periodic layers. In later chapters the theory is extended to the even more interesting cases of polychromatic moirés and moirés between repetitive, non-periodic layers. Throughout the whole text the book favours a pictorial, intuitive approach which is supported by mathematics, and the discussion is accompanied by a large number of figures and illustrative examples, some of which are visually attractive and even spectacular.
Audience: This book is intended for students, scientists, engineers and any readers who wish to widen their knowledge of the moiré effect. It also offers a beautiful demonstration of the Fourier theory and its relationship with other fields of mathematics and science. The prerequisite mathematical background is limited to an elementary familiarity with the Fourier theory.

Customer Reviews:

the best introduction to moire theory so far.......2001-05-28

This is a nicely written book which describes most of modern moire pattern theory. The emphasis is on the Fourier domain and several chapters are merely an extension of papers written by the author. Another novel topic is the use of colors in moire patterns. In the area of moire pattern, this book is clearly the best so far. It has most of the recent developments and Amidror has put many nice figures which help clarify the material.

Transform Methods for Solving Partial Differential Equations (Symbolic and Numeric Computation Series)

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Transform Methods for Solving Partial Differential Equations (Symbolic and Numeric Computation Series)

Manufacturer: CRC-Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Introduction to Tensor Calculus and Continuum Mechanics

ASIN: 0849373743

Book Description

For most scientists and engineers, the only analytic technique for solving linear partial differential equations is separation of variables. In Transform Methods for Solving Partial Differential Equations, the author uses the power of complex variables to demonstrate how Laplace and Fourier transforms can be harnessed to solve many practical, everyday problems experienced by scientists and engineers. Unlike many mathematics texts, this book provides a step-by-step analysis of problems taken from scientific and engineering literature. Detailed solutions are given in the back of the book. This essential text/reference draws from the latest literature on transform methods to provide in-depth discussions on the joint transform problem, the Cagniard-de Hoop method, and the Wiener-Hopf technique. Some 1,500 references are included as well.

Fourier Methods for Mathematicians, Scientists and Engineers (Mathematics and Its Applications)

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Fourier Methods for Mathematicians, Scientists and Engineers (Mathematics and Its Applications)
Mark Cartwright
Manufacturer: Ellis Horwood Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Fourier Transforms and Approximations (Analytical Methods and Special Functions, Volume 4)

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Fourier Transforms and Approximations (Analytical Methods and Special Functions, Volume 4)
A M Sedletskii
Manufacturer: CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 9056992341

Book Description

Three classes of Fourier transforms are presented: Fourier (Laplace) transforms on the halfline, Fourier transforms of measures with compact support and Fourier transforms of rapidly decreasing functions (on whole line). The focus is on the behaviour of Fourier transforms in the region of analyticity and the distribution of their zeros. Applications of results are presented: approximation by exponentials on the finite interval; behavior of the nonharmonic Fourier series; Müntz-Szasz's problem of approximation by powers on unit interval; approximation by weighted exponentials on whole line.

Introduction to Partial Differential Equations: A Computational Approach (Texts in Applied Mathematics)

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Well written, motivational and rigorous.

Introduction to Partial Differential Equations: A Computational Approach (Texts in Applied Mathematics)
Aslak Tveito , and Ragnar Winther
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Analysis (Graduate Studies in Mathematics)

ASIN: 354022551X

Book Description

This book teaches the basic methods of partial differential equations and introduces related important ideas associated with the analysis of numerical methods for those partial differential equations. Standard topics such as separation of variables, Fourier analysis, maximum principles, and energy estimates are included. Numerical methods are introduced in parallel to the classical theory. The numerical experiments are used to illustrate properties of differential equations and theory for finite difference approximations is developed. Numerical methods are included in the book to show the significance of computations in partial differential equations and to illustrate the strong interaction between mathematical theory and the development of numerical methods. Great care has been taken throughout the book to seek a sound balance between the analytical and numerical techniques. The authors present the material at an easy pace with well-organized exercises ranging from the straightforward to the challenging. In addition, special projects are included, containing step by step hints and instructions, to help guide students in the correct way of approaching partial differential equations. The text would be suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in mathematics and engineering. Necessary prerequisites for this text are basic calculus and linear algebra. Some elementary knowledge of ordinary differential equations is also preferable.

Customer Reviews:

Well written, motivational and rigorous........2002-02-11

This book cover the basics of partial differential equations. It's well written, motivational, and balanced rigorous. It contains a lot of good exercises which is a necessity for a beginner in this field. I read this book during a university course in the subject. I struggled. But in my opinion this book is pretty close to the ideal presented by Einstein: "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler".

Methods of Applied Fourier Analysis (Applied and Numerical Harmonic Analysis)

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Methods of Applied Fourier Analysis (Applied and Numerical Harmonic Analysis)
Jayakumar Ramanathan
Manufacturer: Birkhäuser Boston
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0817639632

Methods of Applied Mathematics with a MATLAB Overview (Applied and Numerical Harmonic Analysis)

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Methods of Applied Mathematics with a MATLAB Overview (Applied and Numerical Harmonic Analysis)
Jon H. Davis
Manufacturer: Birkhäuser Boston
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0817643311

Book Description

Methods of Applied Mathematics with a MATLAB Overview is devoted to the applications of Fourier analysis; topics encompass the classical applications in partial differential equations and boundary value problems as well as the concepts and methods associated to the Laplace, Fourier, and discrete transforms. Transform inversion problems are covered, along with the necessary background in complex variables and Sturm-Liouville theory. The final chapter provides an examination of wavelets, short-time Fourier analysis, and geometrically-based transforms. The use of the computer program MATLAB has been integrated throughout the text, with particular emphasis on the program's numerical and graphing capabilities.

Key topics and features:

• Clear, consistent exposition with a strong focus on mathematical fundamentals and useful techniques

• Extensive examples, illustrations, and modern applications

• A variety of problems of wide-ranging difficulty, many with solutions

• Numerous MATLAB exercises and routines, with an introduction to MATLAB provided in an appendix

• Comprehensive references and index

Requiring only familiarity with calculus and linear algebra and some introductory acquaintance with differential equations and vector calculus, this work can be used flexibly, either for a one-semester survey or an in-depth, year-long course. With its broad scope and careful pedagogy, this treatment will serve students in pure and applied mathematics, physical sciences, and engineering.

Solutions manual available upon adoption of text.

Real-Variable Methods in Harmonic Analysis (Pure and Applied Mathematics)

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Real-Variable Methods in Harmonic Analysis (Pure and Applied Mathematics)
Alberto Torchinsky
Manufacturer: Academic Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0126954607

Book Description

In Hadji Murat, Tolstoy recounts the extraordinary meeting of two polarized cultures—the refined, Europeanized court of the Russian tsar and the fierce Muslim chieftains of the Chechnen hills. This brilliant, culturally resonant fiction was written towards the end of Tolstoy’s life, but the conflict it describes has obvious, ironic parallels with current affairs today. Foreword by Colm Tóibín.

It is 1852, and Hadji Murat, one of the most feared mountain chiefs, is the scourge of the Russian army. When he comes to surrender, the Russians are delighted. Or have they naively welcomed a double–agent into their midst? With its sardonic portraits—from the inscrutable Hadji Murat to the fat and bumbling tsar—Tolstoy’s story is an astute and witty commentary on the nature of political relations and states at war. Leo Tolstoy (1828–1910) is one of the world’s greatest writers. Best known for his brilliantly crafted epic novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina, he used his works to address the problems of Russian society, politics, and traditions.

Customer Reviews:

Sublime.......2004-11-03

Harold Bloom, the renowned literary critic, regards it as the sublime in prose. It has even been praised by Wittgenstein. In this story, Tolstoy details the surrender by Hadji Murat, a Chechen rebel, to the Russians, and what follows from this. It is written with all the insightfulness into such a situation that you would expect from Tolstoy, and should be of interest to anyone interested in War and Peace (which it was written after), as well as having great contemporary relevance to the conflicts between the Chechens and the Russians. I can't recommend it highly enough.

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Hadji Murat;: A tale of the Caucasus
Leo Tolstoy
Manufacturer: Heinemann
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Eastern European | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007IVWEI

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Radical, Fanatical Islam
Hadji Murat
Manufacturer: Tennessee Publishing House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Islam | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This book looks at the U.S.'s newest enemy--Radical Islam. The Islam religion is explained, along with how the terrorists view this country and its Christian religions. This book is a MUST READ for all Americans, as it is time to see Radical Islams as our enemies who want to kill us, and will stop at nothing to accomplish their goal. Read this book and encourage others to get a copy. We need to be educated and stop this now.

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Hadji Murat
Leo Tolstoy
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Book Comapny Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000JW07IE

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Hadji Murat
Leo Tolstoy
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Book Comapny Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NX2AQG

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