Scientists were inspired to design the cavities of lattice structures using the stems of water lilies and corals, and then looked for ways to reduce the high stress concentrations that occur at the joints. They reinforced the pipe cage by placing a second cage on top, adding a thin crosscut that runs across the pipes and joints and distributes the compression load evenly.
Although it’s a fairly complex shape, it’s easy to make using a 3D laser printer, and scientists tested the resulting cube and found it was 50% stronger than cast WE54 magnesium alloy, a material of similar density used in the aerospace industry. The structure is easily scalable from a few millimeters to several meters depending on existing printers and is temperature resistant up to 350°C, or up to 600°C with an upgrade to a more heat-resistant titanium alloy.
Scientists say it will be useful in areas where strength and lightness are critical, including aircraft and missile parts. Interestingly, they say this could also be useful for medical bone implants; here, a complex, partially empty mold can be filled with bone cells that regrow as they fuse with the body over time.
Source: Ferra
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