Ransley, Mark C.; (2022) Architectured Materials for Wearable Assistive Technology. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

Additive manufacturing has enabled the production of objects with complex mechanical characteristics arising from carefully engineered structural geometries. In this thesis a scope for novel chainmail-inspired material architectures is presented, comprising interlocking rigid elements that behave as a fabric when observed at scale. Parametric design of the base elements enables control over attributes such as flexibility and drape, which can be inhomogeneous, anisotropic and auxetic. A rigid-body physics framework is utilised to interrogate the fabrics’ properties in silico, compatible with traditional methods of testing used in the textile industry. Multiple physics libraries are benchmarked against ground truth, with physical specimens realised via various additive manufacturing techniques. Dynamic modulation of the fabrics’ architecture and mechanics is achieved using both embedded solid-state actuators and ferrous nanoparticle infiltration, with computational methods presented to model actuated fabrics within the rigid-body framework. Tiling algorithms are described for tailoring linkage fabrics from 3D scan data, and encapsulation methods are considered to enhance comfort and fit on the human body. All of the above theory is consolidated to realise wearable fabrics with biphasic flexibility profiles, offering possible applications in the prevention and rehabilitation of a number of musculoskeletal conditions.

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