Researchers from UC Berkeley, Harvard, and Istanbul Technical University have developed a new metamaterial design method inspired by the skeletal structure of the deep-sea glass sponge Euplectella aspergillum. The study, published in Nature Communications, focuses on translating the sponge's lightweight, robust lattice geometry into engineering structures that balance load-bearing capacity with fluid performance.
The team utilized finite element analysis for strength assessment and computational fluid dynamics to simulate flow. A multi-objective Bayesian optimization algorithm was employed to screen and adjust hundreds of geometric configurations. The primary goals were to increase critical buckling load while minimizing fluid drag, lift, and vibrations caused by vortex shedding.
Experimental results, validated through stereolithography and particle image velocimetry, show that the optimized lattice structures achieved an average 140% increase in critical buckling load compared to baseline designs. Notably, a nearly solid cylindrical structure with a 5% porosity and spiral ridges demonstrated significant suppression of flow-induced vibrations without compromising stability.
The researchers emphasize that these improvements stem from geometric optimization rather than increasing material volume. The findings represent a comparison between experimental structures and baseline models, meaning performance gains may vary depending on specific materials and applications. The project is currently in the design framework and prototype validation stage.
Potential applications for this design methodology include aircraft components, subsea pipeline supports, and medical stents that require clear fluid channels. Additionally, the approach could be adapted for high-rise buildings and other engineering facilities exposed to wind loads, though further testing across different scales and manufacturing methods is required.
