Flexible planar metamaterials with tunable Poisson\u27s ratios

This research reports on the design, fabrication, and multiscale mechanical characterization of flexible, planar mechanical metamaterials with tailorable mechanical properties. The tunable mechanical behavior of the structures is realized through the introduction of orthogonal perforations with different geometric features. Various configurations of the perforations lead to a wide range of Poisson\u27s ratios (from −0.8 to 0.4), load-bearing properties, and energy absorption capacities. The correlations between the configuration of the perforations and the auxetic response of the structures are highlighted through computational and experimental characterizations performed at multiple length scales. It is demonstrated that the local in-plane rotation of the solid ligaments in a uniaxially loaded structure is the primary factor that contributes to its strain-dependent auxetic behavior at macroscopic scales. Confinement of these local rotations is then used as a practical strategy to activate a self-strengthening mechanism in the auxetic structures. It is further shown that the fabrication of planar flexible structures with controllable Poisson\u27s ratios is feasible through spatial adjustment of perforations in the structure. Finally, discussions are provided regarding the practical applications of these structures for a new generation of highly energy-absorbing protective equipment

Flexible planar metamaterials with tunable Poisson’s ratios

This research reports on the design, fabrication, and multiscale mechanical characterization of flexible, planar mechanical metamaterials with tailorable mechanical properties. The tunable mechanical behavior of the structures is realized through the introduction of orthogonal perforations with different geometric features. Various configurations of the perforations lead to a wide range of Poisson’s ratios (from −0.8 to 0.4), load-bearing properties, and energy absorption capacities. The correlations between the configuration of the perforations and the auxetic response of the structures are highlighted through computational and experimental characterizations performed at multiple length scales. It is demonstrated that the local in-plane rotation of the solid ligaments in a uniaxially loaded structure is the primary factor that contributes to its strain-dependent auxetic behavior at macroscopic scales. Confinement of these local rotations is then used as a practical strategy to activate a self-strengthening mechanism in the auxetic structures. It is further shown that the fabrication of planar flexible structures with controllable Poisson’s ratios is feasible through spatial adjustment of perforations in the structure. Finally, discussions are provided regarding the practical applications of these structures for a new generation of highly energy-absorbing protective equipment

Out-of-plane load-bearing and mechanical energy absorption properties of flexible density-graded TPU honeycombs

Honeycomb structures are widely used in applications that require excellent strain energy mitigation at low structural weights. The load-bearing and energy absorption capacity of honeycomb structures strongly depend on their cell wall thickness to edge ratios. This work studies the mechanical response and strain energy absorption characteristics of hexagonal honeycomb structures with various cell wall thicknesses in response to out-of-plane loading conditions. Honeycomb structures with various nominal densities are first additively manufactured from flexible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). A comprehensive experimental study characterized the mechanical strength, energy absorption performance, and the strain recoverability of the structures. Density-graded structures are then fabricated by stacking multiple density layers of the honeycombs. Mechanical characterization of the density-graded structures points to their superior load-bearing response at large deformation conditions. From a strain energy absorption perspective, density graded structures are shown to outperform their uniform density counterparts at small deformation conditions. The results obtained in this work highlight the significance of density gradation as a practical means for the development of honeycomb structures with highly tailorable, application-specific mechanical properties