Robust, Strong Yet Tough Dual-Material Structures: Optimization, Experimentation, and Temperature-Induced Ductile Versus Brittle Behavior

Abstract

Fracture, akin to light, electricity, and magnetism, is an ever-present phenomenon. Counteracting fracture through effective design techniques has emerged as a distinct technology, gaining momentum alongside the rapid progress in additive manufacturing and computational design methodologies. We present advancements in fracture resistance of architected dual-material structures through simulation, optimization, and experimentation. Our approach achieves a remarkable 120-fold enhancement in toughness modulus, surpassing constituent materials in brittle fracture. We analyze the interplay between design, material selection, temperature, and fracture behavior, enabling robust architectures. This work contributes to fracture-resistant design and has promising engineering implications.