Lecture
Bio-Inspired Hybrid Structures with Enhanced Mechanical Performance Based on Topological Interlocking Geometry
Yuri Estrin, Lee Djumas, Andrey Molotnikov, George Simon
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
Laboratory of Hybrid Nanostructured Materials. National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, Leninsky pr. 4, Moscow, Russia
Topological interlocking of building blocks as a materials design principle was previously shown to provide inherently brittle materials with a remarkable flexural compliance and fracture toughness. After a brief introduction to this design concept we will present materials that combine topological interlocking of discrete hard building blocks with a soft phase, thus mimicking the basic architecture of nacre. Mechanical properties of such systems, realised through 3D printing, will be discussed. A further subject that will be discussed in the presentation is introduction of metallic or polymer-based shape memory elements that provide topological interlocking structures with responsiveness to external stimuli, such as heat or electric current.
