Scalable fiber composite lattice structures via continuous spatial weaving.

Continuous fiber composite lattice structures with intricate unit-cell architectures are very attractive for a wide range of potential applications for their remarkably high mechanical properties and multifunctionality under low density. Here, a new technique called continuous spatial weaving developed for manufacturing scalable lattice structures with continuous fiber braids is reported, forming octet-truss-like architected materials up to meter-scale overall size with critical features down to 350 µm. Different lattice specimens have been fabricated with glass and Kevlar fiber braids, and their relative densities changed from 2.74 to 7.17%. Compression tests revealed that the lattice strength and stiffness varied with the geometric parameters of their unit-cell architectures, and the failure mechanisms were strongly affected by their relative densities. Moreover, they have competitive compressive strength to other cellular materials of similar density. This technique combines continuous fiber composites and manufacturing scalability, enabling the design and fabrication of scalable lattice materials with highly tailored properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]