Design Criteria for Architected Materials with Programmable Mechanical Properties Within Theoretical Limit Ranges

Area of Science:

• Materials Science and Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Computational Materials Design

Background:

• Architected materials with periodic cell arrangements are known for unique properties.
• Current designs often use fixed geometries, limiting the exploration of material properties.
• Breaking homogeneous layouts can improve properties, but design space remains constrained.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel hierarchically architected material (HAM) with tunable geometries.
• To significantly enhance mechanical properties beyond conventional limits.
• To establish generic design criteria for identifying materials with extreme mechanical properties.

Main Methods:

• Combining heterogeneous and homogeneous cell assembly to create tunable geometries.
• Development of a theoretical model and extensive simulations (745,752 cases).
• Introduction of dual screening criteria for unique mechanical properties and spatial layout optimization.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the capability of HAMs to achieve significantly enhanced mechanical properties.
• Identified design criteria enabling the discovery of materials with extreme properties.
• Showcased potential for achieving Young's modulus at the theoretical limit and ultra-wide range tunable Poisson's ratios (positive and negative).

Conclusions:

• Hierarchically architected materials offer a new paradigm for designing materials with extreme mechanical performance.
• The proposed design criteria facilitate the exploration of unprecedented material properties.
• This approach opens new avenues for advanced material design with tailored mechanical responses.