The growing demand for sustainability in materials design and manufacturing is driving breakthroughs that reduce environmental impact while enhancing performance and efficiency. In this talk, I will present our research at the intersection of bioinspired design, mathematical tiling, and artificial intelligence (AI) to address key sustainability challenges. First, I will discuss a novel aerodynamic design inspired by owl feathers and cicada wings, leading to a sinusoidal serration propeller that improves flight efficiency and reduces noise. Next, I will explore composite structures based on aperiodic monotiles, which offer superior mechanical properties and durability compared to conventional patterns, promoting sustainability in materials. Finally, I will introduce an AI-driven monitoring system for additive manufacturing that detects and corrects defects in real-time, enhancing component quality and reducing waste. Together, these innovations can transform a wide range of applications, paving the way to create more resilient structures, design more sustainable materials, and develop greener manufacturing technologies along the way.
Dr. Grace X. Gu is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. She received her PhD and MS in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Her current research focuses on creating new materials with superior properties for mechanical, biological, and aerospace applications using multiphysics modeling and artificial intelligence, as well as developing intelligent additive manufacturing technologies to realize complex material designs.