Abstract: A lightweight periodic cellular structure has a stacked array of hollow or solid structural elements that are bonded at their contact points in order to form a stacked lattice structure. Further arrays may be stacked onto the stacked lattice structure in order to form a periodic cellular structure of varying thickness and depth. Also, structural panels may be added to parallel exterior edges of the stacked lattice structure to form a structural panel. Further, the hollow structural elements are provided with wicking elements along their interior walls to facilitate heat transfer through the periodic cellular structure. Liquid may also be introduced into the hollow structural elements to further facilitate heat transfer through the periodic cellular structure. Also, the cellular structure may be utilized as light weight current collectors, such as electrodes, anodes, and cathodes.

Abstract: A cellular composite laminate structure (101) adapted for efficient energy absorption is provided along with the related use and method of manufacture. The structure uses rigid cellular core layers (102, 103) designed to remain rigid during impact loading to channel an imposed compressive force into plastic deformation of deforming sacrificial layers (116). The rigid cellular core layers (102, 103) are arranged such that they will interpenetrate during impact loading while the deforming sacrificial layers (116) are arranged such that they will impede interpenetration of the rigid cellular core layers (102, 103) and be subjected to tensile deformation only. The rigid cellular core layers (102, 103) and deforming sacrificial layers (116) can be formed to create two-dimensional cellular sheet or three-dimensional cellular topology structures.

Abstract: Multifunctional cellular metals (or other materials) for structural applications that are capable of recovering their original (undeformed) shape and thickness after impact or crushing (i.e., self-healing). Alternatively, they may normally be stored or used in their compressed (i.e., crushed) state and deployed when needed to act as energy absorbing structure or packaging (i.e., deployable energy absorber). Additionally, the multifunctional structures may act as an actuator, capable of providing localized or distributed force and displacement, and related methods of using and manufacturing the same. These active cellular metals (or other materials) are composites consisting of conventional metal/alloy truss structures (or other material structures) in combination with shape memory metal/alloy components (or other material components) and offer high specific strength and stiffness, but which are also deployable energy absorbers or self-healing smart structures.