Multifunctional metamaterials enabled by additive manufacturing

Mechanical metamaterials are synthetic materials whose mechanical properties are governed primarily by the architecture of their intricate cellular or porous microstructure, and not by their chemical composition. In 2018, the global metamaterials market had a size of $ 448 million and is expected to grow to $ 1.8 billion by 2023 at a compound annual growth rate of 32%. Mechanical metamaterials are critical enablers for lightweight structural and functional applications that require not only high stiffness and strength but also possess additional built-in functionalities such as enhanced heat transfer, energy absorption and programmable shape morphing features. Here, we propose to develop a novel strategy for the design and fabrication of geometrically tailored multifunctional metamaterials with enhanced specific strength, stiffness, energy absorption capacity and other functionalizes such as self-sensing and healing. By combining detailed finite element calculations with a heuristic optimization scheme, we will design unit cells with geometrically tailored ligaments that maximize the specific strain energy storage in bend-dominated cellular networks. State-of-the-art 3D printing technology will be used to fabricate the geometrically tailored lattice designs developed in this project, and their mechanical and functional properties will be experimentally evaluated. The project will have a broader impact and provide a superb research platform that will enable the development of innovative engineering systems for the future of the nation's economic growth, particularly in the Space and Defence sector. Furthermore, the project will provide promising potential for the generation of intellectual property and technology transfer to the industry