Exploiting spatial heterogeneity and response characterization in non-uniform architected materials inspired by slime
Chunping Ma1, Daobo Zhang, Zhiwei Zhang
1Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States of America. Equal contribution to this work.
Abstract:
Inspired by shape-shifting features of slime mould growth, we implement a computational algorithm to study the nutrient-induced pattern formation and transition of slime mould. We then translate the learned principles into the design and characterization of cellular materials, with particular focus on the issue of spatial heterogeneity due to the nature of the non-uniform, asymmetric pattern. Guided by clustering analysis, compression tests on 3D-printed samples, and numerical simulations by finite element models, we were able to categorize patterns with certain geometric features (such as layout and symmetry) and found similar mechanical response features, indicating high tailorability of non-uniform architected materials. This study paves the road for the advanced computer-aided design of architected materials and its potential in the development of innovative engineering mechanical devices and structural systems.
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