Adaptive Fine-scale Structure Design: From Theory to Fabrication
This project is concerned with 3D printing (also known as additive fabrication). The advancement of technology in this area has been identified as a nationwide priority; in particular, 3D printing is a major focus of the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI), and it is the primary focus of NNMI's flagship institute, America Makes. A distinguishing feature of 3D printing is that geometrically complex structures are almost as easy to make as geometrically simple ones. In this project the investigators study how to take advantage of this capability. Led by a highly interdisciplinary team (a mathematician, a computer scientist, and two biomaterials experts), the project explores the use of 3D printing to make structured artificial materials with advantageous physical properties, and develops methods for adapting the microstructure of a manufactured object to its macroscopic shape and function. The project supports students and postdoctoral researchers, who gain a unique multidisciplinary experience through their involvement in this effort.