Enhancing Damage Tolerance of Structures Using 3D/4D Printing Technologies

AbstractDamage tolerance has emerged as a pivotal aspect of structural design, aiming to enhance the safety, longevity, and reliability of critical structures across industries such as aerospace, civil engineering, and automotive. This review explores recent advances in damage tolerance techniques, with a focus on design methodologies, material integration, and predictive technologies. The review synthesizes insights from various studies, emphasizing modern innovations, including designation, fabrication techniques, and inspiration from nature. Advances in materials science have enabled the development of novel fabrication methods, such as 3D/4D printing processes, which significantly improve the capacity of structures to withstand and recover from damage. Meanwhile, cutting‐edge design principles, including topology optimization and multi‐scale modeling, allow engineers to predict and mitigate structural vulnerabilities. Nature provides an invaluable source of inspiration, offering solutions that balance resilience and efficiency through mechanisms observed in biological systems like bones, shells, and plant stems. By reviewing these approaches as well as the time‐responsive programmability of 4D printing, this article highlights the potential for transformative improvements in structural damage durability and functionality, paving the way for safer and more sustainable engineering practices.