MIT researchers create strong, ultra-light architected materials using kirigami techniques

2023-08-24T14:02:00-04:00

Researchers at MIT have developed a lightweight architected material inspired by the cellular structures found in natural materials such as honeycombs and bones. Produced with techniques borrowed from the Japanese kirigami paper-cutting technique, the strong metal lattices are lighter than cork while also holding customizable mechanical properties.

Image courtesy of the researchers via MIT

Using kirigami techniques, the MIT team led by Professor Neil Gershenfeld of the Center for Bits and Atoms has produced plate lattice structures on a larger scale than was previously possible. The structures are described as "steel cork" by Gershenfeld due to their lightweight nature combined with high strength and stiffness.

“To make things like cars and airplanes, a huge investment goes into tooling. This manufacturing process is without tooling, like 3D printing. But unlike 3D printing, our process can set the limit for record material properties,” Gershenfeld said in a statement.

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UCLA researchers develop structural system that becomes stronger by learning from its surroundings

2022-11-01T13:20:00-04:00

Researchers from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) have developed a new type of material that can create adaptable, strong structures by learning from its surroundings. Dubbed a ‘mechanical neural network’ by its creators, the material uses a unique lattice structure that can improve its ability to deal with unexpected forces over time.

The mechanical neural network derives its strength from the geometries that comprise the structure rather than the properties of the materials used to create it. “Take hook-and-loop fabric closures like Velcro, for example,” explained UCLA’s Ryan H. Lee in a recent article on The Conversation. “It doesn’t matter whether it is made from cotton, plastic or any other substance. As long as one side is a fabric with stiff hooks and the other side has fluffy loops, the material will have the sticky properties of Velcro.”

The system desi...

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MIT researchers create strong, ultra-light architected materials using kirigami techniques

UCLA researchers develop structural system that becomes stronger by learning from its surroundings