The search for strong but light structures goes hand-in-hand with the history of civil engineering, human exploration and increased mobility. Strong, light structures are essential to tall towers, wide bridges, fast ships, efficient cars, commercial air travel, manned and unmanned air defence, launching satellites, exploring space and visiting Mars. With the persistent growth in air traffic, the rise in unmanned air vehicles, and renewed interest in space, the demand for stronger, lighter structures is greater than ever. Materials science has produced extremely light materials, but manufacturing them with sufficient size or strength looks impractical. We need a radical new approach, and one which integrates the design process with the method of manufacture.
In this proposal, we will manufacture, test and bring to market ultra-strong, ultra-light structures for aerospace and defence. By combining our previous research on fractal structures with recent advances in 3D printing and increased demand for efficient structures, we will bring our current product to successful commercialization and generate profit.