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The Venus basket, a sea sponge with delicate glass-like structures, has long fascinated researchers. How can this seemingly fragile creature withstand the extreme conditions of the deep sea? A new study reveals another feature of this ancient structure: its ability to feed itself by filtering water using weak ambient currents from the ocean depths, without the need for pumping.
International researchers, ledUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata and NYU Tandon School of Engineering, discovered that the Venus sponge (Euplectella aspergillum) uses a natural, energy-free method of flow control. The discovery could inspire the design of more efficient chemical reactors, air purification systems, heat exchangers, hydraulic systems and aerodynamic surfaces.
The team was used simulations very high-resolution computers to show how the sponge’s skeletal structure redirects slow deep-sea currents toward its central cavity, allowing it to feed on plankton and other marine debris that filters out of the water.
Ingenious mechanism
The sponge achieves this feat thanks to its spiral and serrated outer surface, which functions like a spiral staircase. This allows it to passively draw water upwards through its porous, gridded frame, with no energy requirements for pumping.
“Our research resolves a debate that has arisen in recent years: the Venus basket sponge can attract nutrients passively, without any active pumping mechanism,» said Maurizio Porfiri, a professor at the NYU Tandon Institute.
At higher flow rates, the grid structure helps reduce body drag. But it is in the almost complete stillness of the ocean floor that this natural ventilation system is most remarkable, showing how well the sponge adapts to its harsh environment. The study found that the sponge’s ability to passively attract food only works at very low current speeds – just a few centimeters per second – away from its habitat.
“From an engineering perspective, the skeletal system of a sponge shows remarkable adaptations to its environment, not only from a structural perspective, but also with regard to fluid dynamics performance,» added Giacomo Falcucci from the University of Rome Tor Vergata and Harvard University.
Advanced simulations
The researchers used Leonardo supercomputer at CINECA, a supercomputing center in Italy, to create a highly realistic 3D replica of the sponge, containing around 100 billion individual points recreating the sponge’s complex spiral ridge structure. this “digital twin» enables impossible experiments on living sponges, which cannot survive outside their deep-sea environment.
The team performed highly detailed simulations of water flow around and within a computer model of the Venus sponge skeleton. Using Leonardo’s enormous computing power, which enables quadrillion calculations per second, they were able to simulate a wide range of water flow velocities and conditions.
The researchers say the biomimetic engineering ideas they discovered could help them design reactors more efficient by optimizing flow patterns internally while minimizing resistance externally.
Similar serrated and porous surfaces could improve air filtration and ventilation systems in skyscrapers and other buildings. Asymmetrical spiral ridges could even inspire hulls or low-drag hulls that remain aerodynamic while promoting interior airflow.
synthetic
This detailed study of the Venus basket sponge highlights fascinating natural adaptations that could revolutionize various fields of engineering. By understanding how this sponge uses passive mechanisms to feed and survive in extreme conditions, researchers are paving the way for technological innovations inspired by nature.
For better understanding
What is Venus basket sponge?
The Venus basket sponge (Euplectella aspergillum) is a marine sponge known for its delicate, glass-like skeletal structure, which allows it to survive in deep oceans.
How does a sponge feed?
She uses a passive method of attraction water and nutrients thanks to its spiral outer surface, without the need for active pumping.
What are the benefits of this discovery for engineering?
The sponge’s adaptations could inspire the design of chemical reactors, purification air, heat exchangers and other technologies by optimizing flow patterns and reducing resistance.
What tools were used for this research?
The researchers used the Leonardo supercomputer to create a 3D replica of the sponge and perform detailed simulations of water flow.
What are the next steps in this research?
Researchers will continue to explore the potential applications of biomimetic discoveries to improve various engineering technologies.
References
Illustration title: Photograph of a group of a dozen “Venus flower basket” sponges in their natural habitat, the bottom of the ocean. Credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Article: “Adaptation to the Abyss: Passive Ventilation in the Deep-Sea Glass Sponge Euplectella aspergillum” – DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.208402
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