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Ultralight shape-recovering plate mechanical metamaterials
Keivan Davami1, Lin Zhao2, Eric Lu3
1Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
Nature Communications
|December 4, 2015
Summary
Researchers developed novel nanoscale mechanical metamaterials using ultrathin corrugated plates. These lightweight, flat structures exhibit remarkable resilience, returning to their original shape after significant bending.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Mechanical metamaterials derive unique properties from precise geometric design.
- Ultrathin films often exhibit undesirable warping due to residual stress gradients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a new class of nanoscale mechanical metamaterials.
- To engineer ultrathin films into stable, flat, and resilient structures.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of free-standing corrugated plates from ultrathin aluminum oxide films (25 nm).
- Utilized atomic layer deposition and lithographic patterning on silicon wafers.
- Complete removal of the silicon substrate to create the metamaterial plates.
Main Results:
- Successfully created large (up to 2 cm) and extremely flat plate metamaterials.
- Achieved ultra-low weight (0.1 g/cm²).
- Demonstrated exceptional 'pop-back' resilience after multiple sharp bends (>90°).
Conclusions:
- Nanoscale corrugated plates offer a novel approach to designing mechanical metamaterials.
- Engineered ultrathin films overcome warping issues, enabling stable and resilient structures.
- These metamaterials possess unique mechanical properties suitable for advanced applications.
