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Solids in which the atoms, ions, or molecules are arranged in a definite repeating pattern are known as crystalline solids. Metals and ionic compounds typically form ordered, crystalline solids. A crystalline solid has a precise melting temperature because each atom or molecule of the same type is held in place with the same forces or energy. Amorphous solids or non-crystalline solids (or, sometimes, glasses) which lack an ordered internal structure and are randomly arranged. Substances that...
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Protons and neutrons, collectively called nucleons, are packed together tightly in a nucleus. With a radius of about 10−15 meters, a nucleus is quite small compared to the radius of the entire atom, which is about 10−10 meters. Nuclei are extremely dense compared to bulk matter, averaging 1.8 × 1014 grams per cubic centimeter. If the earth’s density were equal to the average nuclear density, the earth’s radius would be only about 200 meters.
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In mechanical engineering, the stability of systems under various forces is critical for designing durable and efficient structures. One fundamental way to explore these concepts is by analyzing systems like two rods connected at a pivot point, O, with a torsional spring of spring constant k at the pivot point. This system is similar in appearance to a scissor jack used to change tires on a car. In this case, the arms of the linkage (equivalent to the rods in this system) are entirely vertical,...
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Construction and Systematical Symmetric Studies of a Series of Supramolecular Clusters with Binary or Ternary Ammonium Triphenylacetates
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Totimorphic assemblies from neutrally stable units.

Gaurav Chaudhary1, S Ganga Prasath1, Edward Soucy2

  • 1School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|October 15, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed novel morphable structural materials using neutrally stable unit cells. These "totimorphs" offer tunable mechanical responses and controlled shape transformations for advanced applications.

Keywords:
neutral stabilityshape morphingzero-stiffness materials

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Structural Mechanics

Background:

  • The development of shape-shifting materials is crucial for applications requiring adaptable structures.
  • Existing mechanisms often lack tunable mechanical properties or load-bearing capacity.
  • Neutrally stable structures offer a unique approach to controlled deformation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce a new class of morphable structural materials based on neutrally stable unit cells.
  • To explore the mechanical properties and morphing capabilities of these novel structures.
  • To demonstrate the design and fabrication of assemblies with controllable shape transformations.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical analysis of self-stressed hinged structures.
  • Computational simulations of planar and spatial assemblies.
  • Experimental validation using prototypes with switchable hinges.

Main Results:

  • Identified a one-parameter family of energetically equivalent morphing motions within the unit cell.
  • Demonstrated tunable mechanical responses similar to rigid-plastic materials.
  • Successfully designed and prototyped assemblies capable of transforming between predefined shapes.

Conclusions:

  • Neutrally stable unit cells, termed 'totimorphs', enable the creation of advanced morphable structural materials.
  • These materials offer independent control over geometry and deformation response.
  • Totimorphs hold promise for applications requiring adaptable, load-bearing structures at multiple scales.