Resilient 3D hierarchical architected metamaterials

Hierarchically designed structures with architectural features that span across multiple length scales are found in numerous hard biomaterials, like bone, wood, and glass sponge skeletons, as well as manmade structures, like the Eiffel Tower. It has been hypothesized that their mechanical robustness and damage tolerance stem from sophisticated ordering within the constituents, but the specific role of hierarchy remains to be fully described and understood. We apply the principles of hierarchical design to create structural metamaterials from three material systems: (i) polymer, (ii) hollow ceramic, and (iii) ceramic-polymer composites that are patterned into self-similar unit cells in a fractal-like geometry.…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Award: 1234364
• CI
  California Institute of Technology
• DA
  Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

  Award: W91CRB-10-0305
• AR
  Advanced Research Projects Agency
• KN
  Kavli Nanoscience Institute, California Institute of Technology
• DO
  Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation
• AR
  Army Research Office

  Awards: W911NF-09-0001, W911NF
• IF
  Institute for Collaborative Biotechnologies

  Award: W911NF-09-0001