Active heterogeneous mode coupling in bi-level multi-physically architected metamaterials for temporal, on-demand and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Physics

Background:

• Traditional materials exhibit uncoupled normal and shear deformation modes.
• Achieving coupled deformation modes typically requires complex, non-symmetric lattice structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a new class of metamaterials with voltage-dependent, heterogeneous mode coupling between normal and shear deformation.
• To enable active multi-modal stiffness modulation and advanced mechanical functionalities.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing conventional symmetric lattice geometries.
• Intuitively mounting electro-active elements to achieve bi-level, multi-physically architected metamaterials.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated unprecedented programmable voltage-dependent normal-shear constitutive mode coupling.
• Achieved active multi-modal stiffness modulation for tunable mechanical responses.
• Showcased active partial cloaking capabilities against complex stresses.

Conclusions:

• The developed symmetric metamaterials offer real-time control of mechanical responses.
• This technology facilitates temporal programming for advanced applications like morphing geometries, soft robotics, and vibration control.