A researcher at Florida Tech has secured a significant research grant from the National Science Foundation to explore the potential of using nature’s technology to create materials through additive manufacturing. Mirmilad Mirsayar, an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering, is set to investigate crack propagation in functionally graded cellular structures that draw inspiration from the circular vessels found in palm tree trunks.
These cellular patterns can be observed in a variety of natural structures, such as butterfly wings, bone, honeycombs, and marine sponges. They allow these organisms to withstand strong winds and provide structural integrity. Mirsayar’s research aims to understand the interaction between the cell grading pattern and material anisotropy, which is imposed by additive manufacturing techniques like layer-by-layer fabrication.
By incorporating this understanding into mathematical modeling of fracture and structural optimization, Mirsayar hopes to achieve important engineering objectives. The complex mathematics and physics behind this work are what captured the interest of the NSF. Mirsayar explains, “I need to come up with how the topology and morphology, which is the cell configuration and geometry of the cell across space, can functionally change to get the optimized property for maximizing fracture resistance.”
The ultimate goal of this research is to optimize the strength and lightness of materials with cellular structures for various operational loading conditions. This could have significant implications in sectors such as aerospace, where lightweight yet strong materials are highly sought after. Aircraft wings and artificial bones are just some examples of applications that could benefit from this research.
Florida Tech encourages the public to engage with the research and share their thoughts on various social media platforms. By following their Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages, individuals can stay updated on the latest additive manufacturing developments and join the conversation. Additionally, signing up for their weekly additive manufacturing newsletter ensures that all the latest stories are delivered right to your inbox.
Overall, this research funded by the NSF holds great potential for advancements in additive manufacturing and engineering applications. By harnessing nature’s technology and understanding the mechanics of natural structures, researchers like Mirsayar strive to revolutionize material design and optimization.
