Natures wonders: termite mound ventilation system (Introduction)

by David Turell , Saturday, March 23, 2019, 17:33 (2070 days ago) @ David Turell

Further more exact studies of the system:

https://phys.org/news/2019-03-x-rays-reveal-termites-self-cooling-self-ventilating.html

"Lead author Dr. Kamaljit Singh, from Imperial's Department of Earth Science & Engineering, said: "Termite nests are a unique example of architectural perfection by insects. The way they're designed offers fascinating self-sustaining temperature and ventilation controlling properties throughout the year without using any mechanical or electronic appliances."

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"The researchers found that networks of larger and smaller pores in the nest walls help exchange carbon dioxide (CO2) with the outside atmosphere to help ventilation. Larger micro-scale pores are found to be fully connected throughout the outer wall providing a path across the walls, and by using 3-D flow simulations, the authors showed how CO2 moves through the nests to the outside.

"The simulations showed that the large micro-scale pores in nest walls are useful for ventilation when the wind outside is faster, as CO2 can leave freely. However in slower wind speeds, the larger pores can also help to release CO2 through diffusion.

"Nests are usually found in hotter regions, which means they must stay cool. Indeed, the authors found that the larger pores also help regulate temperatures inside nests. The pores, which lie in the outer walls of the nest, fill with air which reduces heat entering through the walls—similarly to how the air in double glazed windows helps keep the heat inside.

"Considering the crucial role the pores play, the team also wondered what happens when it rains and the pores become blocked by water.

"They found that the nests use 'capillary action' - where liquid flows through small spaces without external help from gravity—that forces rain water from the larger pores to the smaller pores. This ensures the larger pores keep stay open to keep ventilating the nest.

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"'The findings greatly improve our understanding of how architectural design can help control ventilation, heat regulation, and drainage of structures—maybe even in human dwellings. They also provide a new direction for future research, and will eventually bring us one step closer to understanding mechanisms that could be useful in designing energy efficient self-sustaining buildings."

"Co-author Dr. Bagus Muljadi from the University of Nottingham said: "We know that nature holds the secrets to survival. To unlock them, we need to encourage global, interdisciplinary research.

"'This study shows that there is a lot more to learn from mother nature when it comes to solving even the most important 21st century problems.'"

Comment: Brilliant construction by insects can teach us a thing or two. Why is this so? Perhaps they were helped by a mind more brilliant than ours.