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Assembled mechanical metamaterials with integrated functionalities of programmable multistability and multitransition
Jian He1, Yaohui Wang1, Zhengquan Shen2
1School of System Design and Intelligent Manufacturing, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China. xiongy3@sustech.edu.cn.
Materials Horizons
|September 2, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed novel mechanical metamaterials with programmable multistability and integrated functions. This design uses interchangeable contact blocks for reconfigurable transition behaviors, enabling advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Physics
Background:
- Multifunctional mechanical metamaterials are crucial for weight-sensitive and space-constrained applications.
- Integrating multistability with functionalities like vibration isolation and sensing remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel class of mechanical metamaterials with programmable multistability and function-oriented multitransition behaviors.
- To demonstrate an assembly-based design concept for reconfigurable metamaterials.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis, numerical simulations, and experimental validation were used to investigate nonlinear behaviors.
- An assembly-based design incorporating interchangeable contact blocks (CBs) was developed.
- 2D arraying and 3D extension strategies were explored for programmable multistability.
Main Results:
- A spectrum of function-oriented transition behaviors was achieved by varying CB units.
- Programmable multistability was demonstrated through design strategies.
- Versatile digital materials with scalability, reconfigurability, and multidirectionality were constructed.
Conclusions:
- The proposed assembly-based design concept enables integrated functionalities in mechanical metamaterials.
- This approach offers reconfigurability and programmability for advanced structural applications.
- The findings pave the way for innovations in deployable structures and robotics.
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