Technology
Lightweight Lattice Structures for Aerospace Components
Quick fact
Some 3D-printed lattice structures can be up to 90% air, yet they are strong enough to withstand the forces of rocket launches.
Why this is interesting
Why can a bird’s bone be light yet strong enough to fly? Aerospace engineers have copied this trick to build airplane parts that are 50% lighter than solid metal—imagine a wing that’s mostly air but still holds tons of load.