Combustion, fire, and explosion in nature - some biomimetic possibilities

Abstract

In the current paper, three areas involving fire and/or explosions in nature are explored: (a) the knobcone pine, (b) the scotch broom seed, and (c) the combustion chamber of the bombardier beetle. Each is described and some possible biomimetic applications of each of these are discussed. The knobcone pine has a high temperature controlled unique gas emission insulating system. The Scottish broom has a mechanical, humidity controlled propulsion device for dispersing its seed, and the bombardier beetle has a mass ejection system which enables the propulsion of a liquid/gas mixture to a throw ratio of 200 times its own characteristic length. The biomimetic applications in each of these examples lie in the area of fireproofing (knobcone pine), propulsion (scotch broom), and mass ejection devices such as in reigniters for gas turbines (bombardier beetle).