Xiaoheng Zhu has successfully defended his doctoral dissertation, “Bio-inspired Architected Materials/structures with Enhanced Failure Characteristics,” working under the guidance of Jordan Raney, Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics (MEAM).
Zhu’s thesis delves into the world of bio-inspired architected materials and structures, leveraging the power of additive manufacturing to bring nature’s designs to life. The research highlights the crucial role of geometry in determining the failure properties of these materials and structures, drawing inspiration from the lightweight and resilient structures found in nature, such as bamboo.
Zhu’s thesis presents a comprehensive exploration of various aspects of bio-inspired design, including:
- Utilizing bamboo-inspired void patterns to improve the failure properties of brittle polymer structures under flexural bending.
- Investigating the effect of plasticity on the fracture behavior of architected voids in materials with tunable plasticity.
- Introducing a novel concept of simulated “swarms” of bio-inspired agents, mimicking the behavior of bees and ants, to create innovative designs of architected materials and structures with enhanced fracture properties, energy dissipation, and damage tolerance.
Reflecting on his time in MEAM, Zhu shares, “The most memorable moment along my PhD journey is when my first publication here got accepted. We put a lot of effort into this work. Recognition from reviewers is valuable for us.” To those interested in pursuing a Ph.D., Zhu offers, “Remember that persistence and hard work are often the keys to success, and each setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.”