Tuning the mechanical behaviour of additively manufactured meta-materials with twinning and meta-harmonics
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Body-Centred Cubic (BCC) lattices with twinned meta-crystal architecture inspired by the strengthening of bulk metals have significantly improved mechanical performance; however, their deformation behaviour and underlying strengthening mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we reveal that twinning causes a transition from bending to stretch-dominated behaviour in 14% dense BCC lattices, eliciting vast improvements in stiffness (+162%) and strength (+95%) without changing nodal connectivity. We designed meta-harmonic lattices by controlling a heterogeneous distribution of twinned grain boundaries, inspired by bimodal harmonic microstructure, and we amplified the axial strain energy at location specific sites to further enhance the stiffness of BCC lattices by 206%. Our lattice design philosophy unleashes the potential of cellular materials for high-performance engineering applications.
Source: Virtual and Physical Prototyping
Authors: David McArthur, P. J. Tan, Chu Lun Alex Leung
Institutions: University College London, Research Complex at Harwell
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,070
Awards: G1704753955, G2259944664, MAPP: EPSRC Future Manufacturing Hub in Manufacture using Advanced Powder Processes, G2472396216, G2737409764, G2947732725, G3218932760, G4581147713, G4913342081, G5355199242, Performance-driven design of aluminium alloys for additive manufacturing (PAAM), Made Smarter Innovation - Materials Made Smarter Research Centre, Manufacturing by Design, G6472877347, Data-driven, Reliable, and Effective Additive Manufacturing using multi-BEAM technologies (DREAM BEAM), G7406113246, G7869521807, G8913039352
OpenAlex ID: W4411122020