title: Categorical prototyping: incorporating molecular mechanisms into 3D printing.
abstract: We apply the mathematical framework of category theory to articulate the precise relation between the structure and mechanics of a nanoscale system in a macroscopic domain. We maintain the chosen molecular mechanical properties from the nanoscale to the continuum scale. Therein we demonstrate a procedure to 'protoype a model', as category theory enables us to maintain certain information across disparate fields of study, distinct scales, or physical realizations. This process fits naturally with prototyping, as a prototype is not a complete product but rather a reduction to test a subset of properties. To illustrate this point, we use large-scale multi-material printing to examine the scaling of the elastic modulus of 2D carbon allotropes at the macroscale and validate our printed model using experimental testing. The resulting hand-held materials can be examined more readily, and yield insights beyond those available in the original digital representations. We demonstrate this concept by twisting the material, a test beyond the scope of the original model. The method developed can be extended to other methods of additive manufacturing.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Atomistic and Molecular Mechanics, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Mass. Ave. Room 1-290, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
authors.forename: Dieter B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Brommer
authors.forename: Tristan
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Giesa
authors.forename: David I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Spivak
authors.forename: Markus J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Buehler