Abstract: The present invention is directed to three dimensional (3D) woven lattices for drag and turbulence reduction. 3D woven lattice material can serve as a surface layer that regularizes the flow around a bluff body with beneficial effects on: 1) drag reduction, 2) decrease in turbulence intensity, 3) attenuation of flow-induced vibrations, and 4) aerodynamic noise cancellation. 3-D woven lattice architectures allows for passive flow control (without the need for external energy supply) around bluff bodies with restricted geometry/shape due to their functional requirements such as wind turbine towers, cargo trucks, train cars, etc. The woven material can be easily shaped to fit on various geometries and incorporated in existing manufacturing processes (from composites to metallic plates). Metallic foam and randomly porous materials have been identified in the literature as a promising solution for passive flow control over bluff bodies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to three dimensional weaves composed of wires or yarns that offer the potential for damping not achievable with solid materials, including high temperature damping. Three damping mechanisms have been identified: (1) Internal material damping, (2) Frictional energy dissipation (Coulomb damping), and (3) inertial damping (tuned mass damping). These three damping mechanisms can be optimized by modifying the wire material chemistries (metals, ceramics, polymers, etc.), wire sizes, wire shapes, wire coatings, wire bonding, and wire architecture (by removing certain wires). These have the effect of modifying the lattice and wire stiffnesses, masses, coefficients of friction, and internal material damping. Different materials can be used at different locations in the woven lattice. These design variables can also be modified to tailor mechanical stiffness and strength of the lattice, in addition to damping.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to three dimensional (3D) woven lattices for drag and turbulence reduction. 3D woven lattice material can serve as a surface layer that regularizes the flow around a bluff body with beneficial effects on: 1) drag reduction, 2) decrease in turbulence intensity, 3) attenuation of flow-induced vibrations, and 4) aerodynamic noise cancellation. 3-D woven lattice architectures allows for passive flow control (without the need for external energy supply) around bluff bodies with restricted geometry/shape due to their functional requirements such as wind turbine towers, cargo trucks, train cars, etc. The woven material can be easily shaped to fit on various geometries and incorporated in existing manufacturing processes (from composites to metallic plates). Metallic foam and randomly porous materials have been identified in the literature as a promising solution for passive flow control over bluff bodies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to three dimensional weaves composed of wires or yarns that offer the potential for damping not achievable with solid materials, including high temperature damping. Three damping mechanisms have been identified: (1) Internal material damping, (2) Frictional energy dissipation (Coulomb damping), and (3) inertial damping (tuned mass damping). These three damping mechanisms can be optimized by modifying the wire material chemistries (metals, ceramics, polymers, etc.), wire sizes, wire shapes, wire coatings, wire bonding, and wire architecture (by removing certain wires). These have the effect of modifying the lattice and wire stiffnesses, masses, coefficients of friction, and internal material damping. Different materials can be used at different locations in the woven lattice. These design variables can also be modified to tailor mechanical stiffness and strength of the lattice, in addition to damping.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices formed from three-dimensional (3D) structures composed of metallic, ceramic or polymeric wires or bundles and yarns of wires that are either solid or hollow like a tube. The devices of the present invention offer the potential for 3D structures with multiple properties optimized concurrently, in some cases using a topology optimization routine that includes the 3D manufacturing constraints. The properties can be optimized in different directions. The 3D structures of the present invention include multiple properties that are optimized for a range of different applications, including heat transfer. The present invention also includes the methods for optimization of the 3D structures as well as methods of use of the 3D structures in heat transfer applications.