MICROTRUSS
Periodic Cellular Materials
CMI is a pioneer of high-performance Periodic Cellular Materials, also known as PCMs. These structures can be engineered to exhibit both low density and high strength. Inspired by lightweight cellular structures found in nature, PCMs are able to address the often conflicting requirements of reducing weight in mission-critical applications while maintaining superior structural performance. These materials are lighter than traditional metal forms such as monolithic sheets and open cell topologies, and are often more functional than customary cellular materials such as honeycombs and metal foams.
CMI's products are comprised of one or more PCM cores which are sandwiched between two face sheets. The core is fabricated and then bonded to the face sheets. CMI utilizes a wide variety of designs and bonding techniques for its proprietary structures collectively referred to as MicroTruss. CMI typically forms the core and face sheets using proven, established, and commercially-available metallic alloys or composite fabrics and manufactures a variety of designs using standard joining processes tailored to meet the particular demands and specifications of an application. For instance, through the use of different materials, and by varying lattice core geometries, CMI’s engineers can tune PCM structures to meet armor needs. Innovative research by CMI in the field of armor protection, both blast and ballistic, has shown that by combining materials and core designs, one can delay the onset of mechanical failure mechanisms produced by a blast or ballistic impact. |
In addition, innovative work has been done with PCMs relating to heat pipe applications. These thermal management solutions require a structurally efficient design, i.e. strength verses weight, and must be cost effective.
Advances in modeling and manufacturing technologies have produced PCM core topologies which have exceeded honeycomb core performance under various load conditions allowing PCMs to be used in a wider array of applications. While new synthetic materials keep entering the market, advances in PCM technology are limited only by the imagination and knowledge of the engineers and scientists that work with them. CMI's scientists and engineers have led this development and continue to push the science to new limits. |
Our talented staff of engineers and scientists offer a full range of engineering services, ranging from value-added CAD design to robust Finite Element Analysis modeling for mechanical and materials analysis.
|
Heat pipe panel with air cooling
With experience gained through years of R&D work, CMI has developed innovative armor and thermal management systems for military use as well as a suite of customized architectural structural products that combine lightweight and functional design.
|
Welding up a large heat pipe panel
CMI maintains a well-equipped precision machine shop capable of tight tolerances for even the most demanding jobs: from simple cutting, forming, milling, bending and welding to full prototype design, development, and fabrication.
|
Cellular Materials International ( CMI ) is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Charlottesville, Virginia. Much of our technology was initially conceived and developed by The University of Virginia Engineering Department. Below is a sample of some of the work that has been produced by some of our research staff.