Proposition and design of a new Micro-Architected Domes family: A biomimicry-based approach

Abstract

In the last decade, micro-architected structures have gained significant attention in academia and industry for their lightweight, strong, and thermally efficient properties. Inspired by biomimicry design, this paper presents a novel ribbed family of additively manufactured Micro-Architected Domes (MAD). The design incorporates tetrapod pyramid unit cells, golden ratio-based fractal patterns, Schoen's Minimal Gyroid, and spherical geometry. The study focuses on dome radius, height, and azimuth/elevation partitioning as input variables, with the main output being ribbed micro-cell diameter. The relationships between unit-cells’ diameter and input variables were established through problem-solving and numerical computations: linear dependency with the dome radius and hyperbolic dependency with the azimuth and elevation partitioning. The proposed design successfully adhered to the Surface-to-Volume ratio of Schoen's Minimal Gyroid, achieving an average volume relative density of 2.5%, confirming its lightweight nature. The feasibility of the design was further supported by fabricating three specimens using Filament Fused Fabrication. This research showcases the potential of biomimicry-inspired micro-architected structures, paving the way for innovative applications in various fields.