Three-dimensional (3D) reinforcement control in composite materials

A composite material comprising:

• a polymer-based or silicone-based continuous variable stiffness matrix;
• a first plurality of rigidly interconnected reinforcements embedded within the continuous variable stiffness matrix;
• a second plurality of rigidly interconnected reinforcements embedded within the continuous variable stiffness matrix, the second plurality of rigidly interconnected reinforcements being separated from the first plurality of rigidly interconnected reinforcements by the continuous variable stiffness matrix;
• and
• a plurality of connectors,
• the first plurality of rigidly interconnected reinforcements being rigidly interconnected by the connectors in a first direction and the second plurality of rigidly interconnected reinforcements being rigidly interconnected by the connectors in the first direction to oppose a deformation of the composite material along the first direction while allowing deformation of the continuous variable stiffness matrix along a second direction differing from the first direction, the connectors for interconnecting the first plurality of rigidly interconnected reinforcements being different from the connectors for interconnecting the second plurality of rigidly interconnected reinforcements,
• wherein the first plurality of rigidly interconnected reinforcements is spaced from the second plurality of rigidly interconnected reinforcements in the first direction, the second direction, and a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions.

A composite material comprising:

• a continuous planar variable stiffness matrix having at least one edge;
• a shearing frame along the at least one edge of the continuous planar variable stiffness matrix;
• a first reinforcement element embedded within the continuous planar variable stiffness matrix;
• a second reinforcement element embedded within the continuous planar variable stiffness matrix, the second reinforcement element being spaced apart from the first reinforcement element in a first direction by the continuous planar variable stiffness matrix;
• and
• a cable embedded within the continuous planar variable stiffness matrix,
• the cable extending in a second direction along a plane of the continuous planar variable stiffness matrix, and
• the cable being attached to the shearing frame to mitigate out-of-plane deformation of the composite material by blocking a rigid body motion of the first and second reinforcement elements embedded within the continuous planar variable stiffness matrix while allowing an in-plane deformation of the composite material,
• wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the plane of the continuous planar variable stiffness matrix, and
• wherein the first reinforcement element is spaced from the second reinforcement element in the first direction, the second direction, and a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions.