Modelling and Design of Additive Manufactured Brick-and-Mortar Structures

This thesis focuses on improving the properties of composites by utilising multi-material additive manufacturing to mimic structures we observe in nature. Specifically, the design motif observed in mollusc shells (nacre) is harnessed to create ‘Brick-and-Mortar’ structures, which are shown to exhibit exceptional combinations of properties, as well as a highly tuneable response. These structures have considerable potential for a broad range of applications, but a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the design parameters of the structure and its mechanical response is required for their effective use. This thesis develops computational models as a tool to understand this relationship and to aid design using these structures.