Monday, September 7, 2015 – 16:23:09
Termites have developed an efficient ventilation system within the mounds they inhabit their colonies, a challenge that remains unsolved for human builders.
The team of researchers from Harvard University, led by Professor of Applied Mathematics, Evolutionary Biology Physical and L. Mahadevan, described in detail how the process occurs.
As a result of measurements of wind speed and direction within the mounds in different places, the study found that these structures act similarly a lung, inhaling and exhaling once a day, as they are heated and cooled.
The temperature is measured, the concentration of carbon dioxide, and found that the temperature fluctuations associated with the day and night can be used to drive the ventilation of a not very differently from a lung, Mahadevan said.
The researchers identified the mechanism depends to a large extent on the structure of the mounds, these are built around the large central “fireplaces” coming from the gallery – the underground vault where most of the life of the colony develops. – the top
While the interior features large structural walls, the outside is much thinner, with walls that, although they are windproof, allow the exchange of gases.
Apart from revealing how termite mounds work, the study may also provide lessons for architects.
Mahadevan said that instead of spending a lot of energy on fans and air conditioning in every room, with the end result that some people spend other heat and cold, perhaps should think of everything as a system.
These new measurements indicate that if architecture is appropriate, ventilation can be produced by using environmental transits, the expert concluded. (PL) (Photo: Internet)
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