Architecture Engineers Award

  Discontinuously reinforced titanium matrix composites (DRTMCs) are gaining traction due to their impressive strength-ductility synergy, yet traditional fabrication routes suffer from scalability limits imposed by matrix powder size and inconsistent reinforcement distribution. Additive manufacturing, particularly directed energy deposition (DED), offers a promising solution but often struggles to balance strength and ductility. This study addresses these challenges by developing in-situ nano-reinforced DRTMCs with a quasi-continuous network architecture, fabricated using pure Ti and LaB₆ as starting materials. The objective is to enhance microstructural control, refine grains, and achieve superior mechanical performance. In-Situ Formation of Nano-Sized Reinforcements The integration of LaB₆ during DED processing enables the in-situ formation of nano-sized TiB and La₂O₃ reinforcements. These particles serve as potent nucleation and strengthening agents, promoting the development ...

Extrusion-based robotic concrete additive manufacturing (RCAM) has emerged as a transformative technology in digital construction. However, one of its core challenges lies in managing material uncertainty under pressure , which often causes geometric inaccuracies during the extrusion process. This study presents an innovative pressure-based closed-loop feedback control system designed to ensure geometric fidelity by dynamically compensating for variations in material flow. By incorporating real-time sensor feedback, the system enables more consistent and reliable deposition of concrete filaments, advancing precision in automated construction. Material Uncertainty and Its Impact on Geometric Fidelity Material uncertainty in RCAM primarily arises from the variable rheological behavior of concrete mixtures influenced by temperature, moisture, and mix composition. Such inconsistencies lead to irregular extrusion pressure, which directly affects filament geometry, including width and he...