Michal K. Budzik

I work as an Associate Professor at Aarhus University. Here, I explore how geometry can help overcome limitations and enhance the functionality of conventional materials. Specifically, my research focuses on the mechanics of structured and architected materials, interfaces, composites, adhesive bonding, and fracture. In particular, I am interested in how mechanical behaviors emerge from geometric order and disorder.

To address these questions, I combine theoretical modelling, numerical simulation, and experiments. This integrated approach allows me to link microscale design to macroscale performance. For example, my work supports the development of lightweight structures and material systems with tailored, on-demand properties.

Buzzwords:

Architected Materials, Fracture and Interface Mechanics, Emergent Behaviour, Disjoinable Joints, Geometry-Driven Material Design, Adhesive joints, Composite Materials

Design concepts of architected materials showing variations in geometry and unit cell configurations, including strut layouts and mechanical models.

Images showing experimental testing of architected lattice structures and a green-colored numerical model used for mechanical analysis.

Multiscale schematic of a fibre-reinforced composite with zoomed-in interface regions and phase-field simulation results showing crack initiation and propagation.

$Graph showing fracture energy versus patterned area fraction for different surface treatments and length scales, with corresponding wettability images and SEM micrographs.$

Fig. 1.1 Design and mechanical performance of architected interfaces. Left: Demonstrator of carbon fibre plates joined by interfaces incorporating different lattice core topologies—simple cubic (SC), octet, and Kelvin cells. Corresponding unit cell geometries and design parameters are shown. Right: Schematic of a composite material featuring a generic periodic cellular core with unit cell architecture.

Fig. 2 Design and mechanical performance of architected interfaces: Demonstrator of carbon fibre plates joined by interfaces incorporating different lattice core topologies—simple cubic (SC), octet, and Kelvin cells. Corresponding unit cell geometries and design parameters are shown.

Fig. 3. Multiscale representation of a fibre-reinforced composite with a locally heterogeneous region under load. The central zoom shows the periodic microstructure of fibres (yellow), matrix (light brown), and interphases (dark brown). On the right, phase-field damage maps from a phase-field fracture model show how cracks start and develop within the interfacial regions. By adjusting the properties of these interfaces, it is possible to control how the material fails and affect the overall mechanical response.

Fig. 4. The graph shows both measured data (markers) and theoretical predictions (lines) for fracture energy as a function of the patterned area fraction A_T. Results are shown for three different patterning length scales: micrometer, submillimeter, and millimeter. These are compared to untreated and fully treated surfaces. Fracture energy increases as the patterned area grows. On the right, images of wetting areas and SEM micrographs illustrate how surface topography relates to adhesion and mechanical performance.

Applications:

Lightweight and High-Performance Structures

Leveraging architected geometries to reduce material usage while maintaining or enhancing mechanical performance.

Reversible and Recyclable Adhesive Joints

Designing interfaces that enable controlled debonding without damaging structural components, supporting circularity in composite and hybrid assemblies.

Energy Absorption and Protective Systems

Creating materials with tailored failure and deformation modes for applications such as crash mitigation, impact protection, and damping.

Geometry-Driven Sustainability

Achieving functional performance—such as strength, compliance, or adhesion—through structural design rather than material chemistry, reducing reliance on hazardous substances.

Emergent Mechanics from Structured and Disordered Architectures

Exploring how mechanical properties arise from geometric organisation and disorder, with implications for designing robust, fault-tolerant, and multifunctional materials

iMAT Research Topics:

Architected interfaces & surfaces, Polymer and Hybrid Materials, Optimization of Mechanical Properties, Composite Materials, Batteries, Bioinspired Materials

Revised 20.06.2025

Laura Rammelt

iMAT Aarhus University Centre for Integrated Materials Research

Michal K. Budzik

Buzzwords:

Applications:

iMAT Research Topics:

University profile

Michal Kazimierz Budzik