ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | APRIL 2024 53 ARCHITECTED METAMATERIALS HOLD PROMISE ACROSS LENGTH SCALES Geometry, material properties, and clever mechanisms are being integrated to achieve new and beneficial functions across a wide spectrum of length scales and applications. Pablo Zavattieri Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana Architects are often visionary in anticipating the future generation of building structures, bridges, roads, and broader infrastructure. Their concepts extend beyond the physical aesthetics of structures. In fact, they include a holistic vision where engineering serves specific purposes as a catalyst for positive change in the human experience. The harmonious integration of infrastructure with nature becomes a guiding principle, fostering a symbiotic relationship that goes beyond conventional functionality. Some of these visionary designs take inspiration from nature, moving toward a future where buildings, bridges, and roads are more capable of harnessing energy, offering protection, adapting to changing conditions, self-healing, sensing, and taking proactive measures under extreme conditions. What steps can be taken to accomplish this? The current challenge rests in the hands of engineers entrusted with translating these visionary concepts into tangible multifunctional materials. FEATURES OF ARCHITECTED MATERIALS Architected materials are a class of engineered materials carefully designed with an intricate arrangement of their internal structures, often at the millimeter, micro, or nanoscale. These materials leverage specific geometric patterns and configurations to impart tailored mechanical, thermal, or electromagnetic properties, giving rise to emerging functions and characteristics. The term “architected” is employed to describe the systematic design process of shaping the material’s architecture. Based on the materials science tetrahedron, which includes processing, structure, properties, and performance, structure can be further divided into microstructure and architecture (Fig. 1). Microstructure assumes a pivotal role that has been adeptly harnessed through processing interventions for centuries. Scientists know how to influence microstructure but cannot precisely control it—i.e., fiber orientation, volume fraction in composites, and grain texture in metals can all be controlled to some extent. When considering architected materials, it is the geometry and functionality of miniature beams, columns, and trusses that can be controlled. Nuanced manipulation allows these elements to deform in a certain way—bending, Designing innovative materials involves the study of nature, microstructures, geometry, and architecture. 7 FEATURE
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