Integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) approaches to the design and fabrication of architected materials

Abstract

Using inverse design priciples and custom developed micro- and nanoscale additive manufacturing methods, we have been able to design and fabricate material microarchitectures with unique combinations of properties such as negative thermal expansion, negative Poisson’s ratio, and ultra lightweight materials with high stiffness. We have demonstrated designer properties resulting from architected materials in polymers, metals, ceramics and combinations thereof. The primary design methods include an analytic technique called Freedom and Constraint Topologies and a computation method utilizing topology optimization. We also highlight several fabrication techniques such as Projection Microstereolithography, Direct Ink Writing, and Electrophoretic Deposition.