2020/08/17 by Spencer V. Taylor, Taylor, Spencer V, Abdel R. Moustafa +3
Engineering · #Applied Physics (physics.app-ph) #Architecture and Computational Design #FOS: Physical sciences #Materials Science (cond-mat.mtrl-sci) #Slime Mold and Myxomycetes Research #Topology Optimization in Engineering
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2008.07402
openalex publication_date 2020/08/17 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
This paper introduces the chain lattice, a hierarchical truss structure comprising two interpenetrating lattices. One lattice toughens the material and prevents catastrophic localized failure while the other lattice serves as a porous matrix that densifies to absorb energy during tensile loading. Chain lattices are amenable to additive manufacturing and can transform 3D-printable materials that are normally brittle and flaw-sensitive into damage-tolerant materials. Calculations predict ceramic chain lattices can have a specific energy absorption several orders of magnitude greater than that of their fully dense counterparts.