Novel 4D-printed multi-stable metamaterials: programmability of force-displacement behaviour and deformation sequence

Area of Science:

• Metamaterials Science
• Materials Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Conventional metamaterials possess fixed configurations, limiting reconfigurability and adjustability of mechanical properties.
• Metamaterial properties are dictated by the design and arrangement of artificial unit structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate novel 3D multi-stable metamaterials with reconfigurable deformation and tunable mechanical properties.
• To investigate the influence of temperature and curved-beam thickness on the mechanical behavior and stability of these metamaterials.

Main Methods:

• Utilized four-dimensional (4D) printing to fabricate multi-stable metamaterials based on curved beams.
• Employed finite-element analysis (FEA) and experimental testing to analyze force-displacement curves and multi-stable snapping sequences.
• Designed variations with different numbers of curved-beam branches (three- and six-branched structures).

Main Results:

• Demonstrated that the 4D-printed multi-stable metamaterials exhibit mechanical programmability due to shape memory effects.
• Showcased precise regulation of the multi-stable deformation sequence by controlling temperature and curved-beam thickness.
• Successfully designed and analyzed multi-branched structures derived from a four-branch design.

Conclusions:

• The developed 4D-printed multi-stable metamaterials offer a pathway to programmable and reconfigurable mechanical responses.
• The ability to tune properties via temperature and geometry opens possibilities for advanced applications.
• These findings contribute significantly to the field of programmable metamaterials for soft robotics and intelligent systems.