Discrete-to-continuum approaches to the mechanics of pentamode bearings

Abstract

This work deals with the multiscale modeling of the mechanical response of pentamode lattices, and a preliminary study on engineering applications of structural bearings formed by pentamode lattices confined between stiffening plates. Numerical and experimental results show that the confinement effect played by the stiffening plates, the geometry and mechanical properties of the junctions strongly influence the overall stiffness properties of such structures. As a result, the mechanics of confined pentamode lattices significantly differs from that of unconfined lattices, being able to accommodate compression and tension vertical loads, and featuring performance-based response under shear loading. Their application for use in anti-seismic system development and/or as shear-wave band gap systems awaits attention.