Modeling and design of three-dimensional voxel printed lattice metamaterials

3D voxel printing has emerged as a promising technology for fabricating sophisticated structures with voxel-level material distributions, allowing for a wide design space beyond conventional individual material systems. However, the development of theoretical models and design strategies for 3D voxel printed structures are hindered due to the complex geometries and voxel-level material distributions. In this work, we propose a design framework for 3D voxel printed lattice metamaterials by combining theoretical models, finite element modeling (FEM), and experimental validations. We develop a finite deformation theoretical model and propose a python-assisted FEM for the voxel lattice metamaterials with curled microstructures and arbitrary material distributions. We develop a parametric algorithm to generate the voxel matrix for manufacturing automatically. Experiments are conducted to validate the theoretical model and FEM simulations. The design framework is then applied to program mechanical properties by tuning the geometric and material parameters. We demonstrate simultaneous matching of the nonlinear stress-strain and Poisson's ratio curves of biological organisms, shape-matching of porcelain vase and magnetic voxel lattice soft robots with directional locomotion. This work paves the way for designing and manufacturing 3D voxel printed lattice metamaterial with multifunctionality.

Automated summary

This research proposes a design framework for 3D voxel printed lattice metamaterials, combining theoretical models, finite element modeling (FEM), and experimental validations. A theoretical model and a python-assisted FEM for voxel lattice metamaterials with curled microstructures and arbitrary material distributions are developed. A parametric algorithm is developed to automatically generate the voxel matrix for manufacturing. The design framework is used to program mechanical properties and demonstrate multifunctionality in various applications.