ABSTRACT: The principle of symmetry has served as a foundational element in the design and optimization of materials, influencing their mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Yet, breaking away from this convention by deliberately disrupting symmetry within materials can result in unexpected and interesting phenomenon. This talk will delve into the role of symmetry, and the implications when it is disrupted within architected material designs. First, we will explore the effects of this symmetry disruption within composite materials, bringing insights into unique fracture behaviors and enhanced defect tolerance. Second, we will investigate ordered and disordered cellular materials, balancing the classic conflict between strength and toughness. Lastly, we will discuss the influence of symmetry-breaking in piezoelectric metamaterials, where macroscopic momentum and electric stimuli form an unusual alliance, termed as ‘electro-momentum coupling’. It is envisioned that our findings will provide new understandings for designing the next generation of materials, equipped with unprecedented properties and functionalities. We will also discuss potential future research directions and remaining challenges in this field.

BIOSKETCH: 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 energy applications using multiphysics modeling and artificial intelligence, as well as developing intelligent additive manufacturing technologies to realize complex material designs. Gu is the recipient of several awards, including the Materials Today Rising Star Award, ASME ORR Early Career Award, Sloan Research Fellowship, TMS Early Career Faculty Fellow Award, ONR Young Investigator Award, ACS PMSE Young Investigator Award, DARPA Young Faculty Award, and SME Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award. She has co-organized symposiums at several conferences and serves on the advisory boards of Advanced Intelligent Systems, MRS Communications, and Materials Horizons.