Non-integer-dimensional architected materials enabling synergistic acoustic, mechanical, and fluid coupling
Architected materials have long struggled to achieve true multifunctionality, as attempts to combine acoustic insulation, mechanical robustness, and ventilation often rely on hybridized or modular designs that compromise scalability. Here we introduce a dimension-driven strategy that exploits non-integer-dimensional architected materials (NDAMs) to achieve multifunctional integration within a single topological framework. As a proof of concept, Menger sponge-inspired NDAMs were fabricated by high-resolution additive manufacturing, demonstrating three capabilities: broadband acoustic insulation through self-similarity induced scattering and resonance, tunable mechanical energy absorption <i>via</i> stress redistribution, and enhanced airflow efficiency enabled by drag-reducing multiscale channels. These functionalities arise intrinsically from fractal hierarchy, without reliance on material heterogeneity or external hybridization. Crucially, the dimensional parameter serves as a scalable and fabrication-accessible handle, bridging abstract fractional geometry with real-world engineering. This work establishes NDAMs as a powerful design axis for next-generation multifunctional metamaterials, with potential applications in aerospace, transport, and biomedical systems.
Authors
- Ziping Lei
- Zichao Guo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2288-1174)
- Kexin Zeng
- Zhonggang Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1265-2762)
- Zheng Fan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7818-153X)
- Yongjun Chen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0427-7555)
- Zhendong Li (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6363-3655)
Institutions
- Central South University (CN)
- National University of Singapore (SG)
- Nanyang Technological University (SG)
- Hunan Xiangdian Test Research Institute (China) (CN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Materials Horizons
- Published
- 2025-11-03
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1039/d5mh01768h
- Citations
- 4
- Primary Topic
- Acoustic Wave Phenomena Research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.70