Innovative AI?

After failing to get an accurate bending moment diagram for a multi-span beam from an AI tool, I decided to test the creative abilities of ChatGPT. In a recent issue of “Scientific World,” there’s an article about a plant called Carlina acaulis, which blooms in the mountains of Spain during summer and is known for its ability to withstand extreme temperatures. I explained to ChatGPT the mechanism of this plant, hoping it would propose a solution for concrete structures that are prone to cracks due to high temperatures.

Carlina acaulis, commonly known as the stemless carline thistle, has evolved a unique cooling mechanism to survive in hot, arid environments. This plant’s leaves and stems are designed to efficiently manage water loss and heat dissipation. It has specialized pores called stomata that open to release water vapor, which then evaporates, cooling the plant’s surface. This process, known as transpiration, is highly efficient and helps the plant maintain a stable temperature even under extreme heat.

User: “ChatGPT, how can we apply the cooling mechanism of Carlina acaulis to concrete structures to prevent thermal cracking?”

ChatGPT: “Let’s consider a system similar to plant transpiration. We can design a concrete structure with integrated micropores that release water. Here’s a step-by-step plan:

1. Micropores in Concrete: Embed micropores within the concrete that can release water onto the surface.
2. Internal Water Tank: Install a system of internal pipes and a water reservoir inside the concrete structure.
3. Control System: Develop a smart control system to regulate the opening and closing of micropores based on temperature and humidity sensors.
4. Evaporative Cooling: When the temperature rises, the control system releases water through the micropores, which evaporates and cools the surface, similar to how transpiration cools plant leaves.
5. Automatic Refilling: Ensure the internal water tank is refilled automatically, possibly using harvested rainwater.”

Does it make sense? Well, while the concept of bio-inspired cooling for concrete structures is promising, several challenges must be addressed:

1. Durability and Maintenance: The long-term durability of micropores in a harsh environment must be evaluated. Regular maintenance might be required to prevent clogging and ensure proper functioning.
2. Cost and Complexity: Implementing such a system could be costly and complex, requiring significant modifications to existing construction practices.
3. Water Supply: Ensuring a consistent and sustainable water supply, especially in arid regions, could be challenging.
4. Effectiveness: The actual cooling efficiency and its impact on preventing thermal cracks need thorough testing under various environmental conditions.
5. Watertight Integrity: Ensuring that the concrete structure remains watertight despite having numerous micropores is crucial. Any compromise in the watertightness could lead to structural integrity issues and water damage.

Biomimicry is a challenging field of research that demands deep understanding and innovative approaches. While ChatGPT primarily functions as an advanced autocomplete tool, making it hard to expect fully developed solutions right away, it proves invaluable in the idea generation process. This is particularly true when one’s own creativity is hindered, such as when the brain melts under the high temperatures currently experienced in Poland. ChatGPT’s ability to generate fresh perspectives and novel ideas can significantly aid the early stages of problem-solving and concept development.