Exploiting Structural Buckling: A Mechanics-Driven Approach to 3D Microscale Functional Scaffolds

In this talk I will present a novel method of designing and fabricating 3D microscale functional scaffolds. Buckling is often considered as structural failure; however, in our method we use compressive buckling to assemble complex three-dimensional structures from two-dimensional precursors. This approach is able to achieve simple to complex structures and is compatible with many functional materials, including device-grade single-crystal silicon and high-performance inorganic piezoelectric materials. I will also show some representative applications enabled by this approach.