Strengthening Mechanisms in Metal Microtruss Structures

Microtrusses can be categorized as hybrid materials composed of a three-dimensional array of struts capable of efficiently transmitting an externally applied load. The strut connectivity of microtrusses allows them to reach higher specific strength and stiffness values than conventional metal foams. While much attention has been given to the optimization of microtruss architectures, little attention has been given to the strengthening mechanisms inside the materials themselves that make up this architecture. This book examines strengthening mechanisms in aluminum alloy and copper alloy microtruss systems with and without a reinforcing structural coating and the coexisting influence of geometry. The question of how much microtruss strengthening can be obtained for a given amount of parent metal strengthening is addressed by examining the interaction of material and geometric parameters in a model system. The exploration and analysis of microtruss strength may be of distinct relevance to those in an Engineering field who are interested in the learning and understanding of microstructural and architectural interactivity in metallic cellular structures.