Topological Transformation with Emerging Zero Modes in Multistable Metamaterials for Reprogrammable Flexural Stiffness
Lei Wu, Damiano Pasini
Abstract
In situ tuning of elastic stiffness enriches the range of functionalities of mechanical metamaterials for next-generation multifunctional devices. While stiffness tunability has been demonstrated under compression and tension, tuning flexural stiffness in multistable materials is now addressed in this work. Researchers leverage a multistable topological transformation induced by internal contact to activate zero-energy modes that yield both stiff and soft flexural modes. This remarkable tunability of flexural stiffness endows the architecture with a reversible rigid-flexible switch, which could support diverse applications from soft robotics to medical devices.
Topics & Concepts
MetamaterialFlexural strengthStiffnessMaterials scienceFlexural rigiditySoft roboticsLeverage (statistics)Topology (electrical circuits)Structural engineeringComputer scienceRobotOptoelectronicsComposite materialEngineeringArtificial intelligenceElectrical engineeringAdvanced Materials and MechanicsAdvanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting MaterialsCellular and Composite Structures