Biomimicry; speed boats and kingfisher’s beak

The kingfisher, renowned for its striking colors and incredible hunting abilities, has become an unexpected source of inspiration in the realms of transportation design, influencing both yacht and high-speed train engineering.

Biomimicry, the practice of emulating nature's designs in human engineering, and one of the best example evolves from the kingfisher's beak. Known for its ability to dive into water with minimal splash, the beak's design is a marvel of natural engineering, reducing drag and minimizing water resistance.

In yacht design, the kingfisher’s beak has inspired sleek, pointed bows that significantly reduce wave resistance.

The bird's beak is aerodynamically perfect for reducing drag and minimizing water resistance. By adopting a similar shape for yacht bows, designers have been able to create boats that slice through water more smoothly, reducing fuel consumption and increasing speed. This design leads to a smoother ride, even in choppy waters, making it ideal high-speed boats.

The influence of the kingfisher extends beyond the water and onto the tracks of Japan's high-speed trains, notably the Shinkansen. When the original Shinkansen trains increased their speed, they encountered a significant problem: noise. The breakthrough came from observing the kingfisher's beak. Engineers noticed that the bird's beak allowed it to transition from air to water with minimal splash, a result of its streamlined shape. By redesigning the train’s nose to mimic the kingfisher's beak, engineers were able to solve the noise problem. The new design reduced the pressure change when exiting tunnels and consequently, the noise.

Both in yacht and train designs, the efficiency in movement afforded by the kingfisher-inspired designs means decreased power requirements, leading to more sustainable and cost-effective options.

How can biomimicry have more effect on boats? Do you have any idea?