ProgLMMsDyn · Programmable dynamics of locally multistable metamaterials
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2021-04-06 → 2023-04-05
- EU contribution
- €191,149
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Programmable dynamics of locally multistable metamaterials
This project focuses on modelling and analysis of reconfigurable metamaterials, consisting of unit-cells with several stable states, thus capable of stability maintaining complex deformations. The primary focus of this project is a novel reconfigurable 1D array with great potential for haptic interfaces capable of conveying static and dynamic tactile sensations, while providing the general theoretical basis for a myriad of applications in both 2D and 3D. The key objective was developing the ability to produce desired dynamic reconfigurations following transitional wave fronts, originated from excitation in a minimal number of actuation points. Through proper design and actuation guided by our modelling and analysis, the system facilitates complex patterning using simple and cost-effective actuation methods. When the investigated system holds a certain periodic stable state, it demonstrates a phononic behavior characterizing it by complex free wave propagation properties, which can be altered by reconfiguration. Controlled transmission of acoustic signals achievable by reversible reconfiguration is promising for applications such as encryption or sensing of mechanical signals, as well as vibration isolation. Consequently, an additional objective involved modelling the configuration-dependent acoustic wave propagation properties, providing a design tool for desired behavior in terms of acoustic wave manipulation. We further introduced an additional class of reconfigurable metamaterials that augment truss structures with multistability. In these structures, certain members are modelled as multistable elements inspired by drinking straws, whose basic unit-cells possess two uniaxial and two bent stable states. This class of metamaterials offers a rich variety of complex multiaxial stable equilibria and can be reconfigured quasistatically, making it well-suited for shape morphing and deployable structures. The primary objective concerning multistable trusses was leveraging their extensive design space to achieve desired properties, such as energy absorption and predetermined reconfiguration patterns.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Metamaterials have gained importance across disciplines, owing to their superior and tailorable characteristics and performance. Alongside classic metamaterials with optimal properties such as customised stiffness, density, wave dispersion, and energy absorption, reconfigurable metamaterials have recently begun to attract attention. Reconfigurability can be achieved by interconnected multistable elements that possess more than one stable state. Controlled and cooperative switching of large arrays of such multistable elements leads to dynamic transition events of interest for applications ranging from haptic interfaces and morphing surfaces in 2D to shape-morphing and deployable structures in 3D. This research will focus on a new class of locally multistable 2D metamaterials of great potential for haptics (capable of conveying static and dynamic tactile sensations), while providing the general theoretical basis and new physics for a myriad of applications in both 2D and 3D. We consider multistable systems with unprecedented numbers of stable equilibria, leading to highly complex transitional behaviour beyond what has been studied so far and beyond what is tractable by available theories. This calls for new theoretical modelling, simulation tools, and experimental prototyping for validation, which lay the foundations for the main goal of producing a novel interactive haptic interface. The research is divided into three stages. The first is model development and system identification to facilitate theoretical and efficient numerical descriptions of the system to be experimentally investigated. The next stage uses machine-learning to identify target reconfiguration (both static and dynamic) utilising minimal actuation. The final stage estimates the loads introduced into the system using an asymptotic solution of the system’s dynamics. These constitute a step forward in the research of reconfigurable metamaterials and serve as a basis for countless applications.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- EIDGENOESSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZUERICH · ZuerichCoordinatorSwitzerland
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union