Plate lattice metamaterials: From geometric design to multiphysical behaviour beyond mechanics

Leveraging membrane-dominated deformation modes, plate lattice metamaterials exhibit superior stiffness, strength, and toughness amongst all lattice metamaterials. Beyond mechanical performances, plate lattices are also emerging as versatile platforms for harnessing a broad spectrum of physical properties, including acoustical, thermal, and vibrational functionalities. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the design principles, classification schemes, underlying mechanisms, and multiphysical properties of plate lattice metamaterials. Architecturally, we propose a classification into three categories:(i) pure plates, (ii) perforated plates, and (iii) hybrid plates. In terms of functions, pure plate lattices maximize mechanical efficiency through in-plane stress transfer; perforated plates enable manufacturability and offer acoustic and thermal active geometries via engineered porosity; hybrid plates integrate truss or other elements to enhance vibration attenuation. The key property-governing mechanisms, such as membrane stress, resonance behaviours, Bragg scattering, forced convection, are deeply explained. We further highlight the intrinsic interplay between different physical responses, illustrating how a single geometric design can concurrently harness multiple functionalities. The review concludes with a forward-looking perspective on emerging applications and the integration of advanced physics-informed methods to accelerate the optimization and implementation of multifunctional plate lattices.