Abstract
Metamaterials are artificial materials that derive their unusual properties from their periodic architecture. Some metamaterials can deform their internal structure to switch between different properties. However, the precise control of these deformations remains a challenge, as these structures often exhibit non-linear mechanical behavior. We introduce a computational and experimental strategy to explore the folding behavior of a range of 3D prismatic building blocks that exhibit controllable multifunctionality. By applying local actuation patterns, we are able to explore and visualize their complex mechanical behavior. We find a vast and discrete set of mechanically stable configurations, that arise from local minima in their elastic energy. Additionally these building blocks can be assembled into metamaterials that exhibit similar behavior. The mechanical principles on which the multistable behavior is based are scale-independent, making our designs candidates for e.g., reconfigurable acoustic wave guides, microelectronic mechanical systems and energy storage systems.
Highlights
Metamaterials are artificial materials that derive their unusual properties from their periodic architecture
We introduce a numerical method to search for energy minima that correspond to the stable states of the prismatic structures
While we find a total of eight stable states in our simulations (Fig. 4c), we were not able to reach any of these configurations with the current fabrication method
Summary
Metamaterials are artificial materials that derive their unusual properties from their periodic architecture. Finding the structure of such reconfigurable materials is not trivial since the number of degrees of freedom for a general origami design grows exponentially[9], and typically a general design approach[10] is needed to satisfy required conditions[11] Once created, these materials exhibit highly anisotropic behavior, enabling the change of their properties by applying locally a range of stimuli including air pressure[12,13], pre-stresses[8], and swelling[14]. In order to gain insight in the problem, we visualize the non-linear energy landscape of multiple prismatic building blocks by applying local actuation to two hinges Based on these results, we develop a method to extract all possible unique actuation patterns, allowing us to efficiently scan through the energy landscape and find additional stable configurations. We show for a few multistable building blocks that they can be tessellated to create multistable metamaterials
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
