Assembly of micro/nanomaterials into complex, three-dimensional architectures by compressive buckling

Complex, three dimensional (3D) structures in biology (e.g. cytoskeletal webs, neural circuits,
vasculature networks) form naturally to provide essential functions in even the most basic forms
of life. Compelling opportunities exist for analogous 3D architectures in man-made devices, but
design options are constrained by existing capabilities in materials growth and assembly. Here
we report routes to previously inaccessible classes of 3D constructs in advanced materials,
including device-grade silicon. The schemes involve geometric transformation of two
dimensional (2D) micro/nanostructures into extended 3D layouts by compressive buckling.
Demonstrations include experimental and theoretical studies of more than forty representative
geometries, from single and multiple helices, toroids and conical spirals to structures that
resemble spherical baskets, cuboid cages, starbursts, flowers, scaffolds, fences and frameworks,
each with single and/or multiple level configurations.

Bio:

Yonggang Huang is the Walter P. Murphy Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Civil and
Environmental Engineering at Northwestern University. He has broad interests in many branches
of Engineering Science and has established mechanics models for advanced technology. He has
published 1 book and more than 500 journal papers and book chapters, including multidisciplinary
journals Science (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015) and
Nature (2008, 2013). His recent awards include the Larson Award (2003), Melville Medal
(2004), Richards Award (2010), and Drucker Medal (2013) from ASME; Young Investigator
Medal (2006) from SES; International Journal of Plasticity Medal (2007); Guggenheim
Fellowship (2008) from the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation; and ISI Highly Cited
Researcher in Engineering (2009) and in Materials Science (2014 and 2015). He is the Editor of
Journal of Applied Mechanics, a member of the Executive Committee of the ASME Applied
Mechanics Division, and Past the President of SES.