Optimized mechano-fluidic metamaterials inspired by deep-sea sponges

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Fluid Dynamics
• Computational Science

Background:

• Optimizing multifunctional materials for both mechanical resilience and fluid dynamic efficiency is challenging due to inherent trade-offs and complex design spaces.
• Existing methods face limitations in computational expense and efficiently exploring high-dimensional design possibilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an automated framework for the synergistic optimization of mechanical and fluid dynamic properties in architected materials.
• To identify Pareto-optimal designs that balance structural integrity and hydrodynamic performance.

Main Methods:

• Integration of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for mechanical properties and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for flow behavior.
• Utilizing multi-objective Bayesian optimization and high-performance computing to explore complex design spaces.
• Fabrication of selected designs using stereolithography for experimental validation.

Main Results:

• Optimized lattice structures demonstrated an average 140% increase in critical buckling load compared to baseline designs.
• Simultaneously achieved reductions in drag, lift, and vortex shedding at low porosities (as low as 5%).
• Experimental validation through compression tests and particle image velocimetry confirmed simulation accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The developed framework provides a scalable methodology for designing lightweight, high-performance architected materials.
• Joint optimization of mechanics and fluidics is achievable, overcoming traditional design limitations.
• The approach offers significant advancements for engineering applications requiring materials with tailored multifunctional properties.