3D printable multimaterial cellular auxetics with tunable stiffness

TL;DR

This paper explores 3D printable multimaterial cellular auxetics with tunable stiffness, using finite element analysis to design architectures that can be customized for specific applications like impact protection.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to tuning the stiffness of auxetic cellular materials through material gradients in multi-material 3D printed designs, expanding their practical utility.

Findings

Material gradients effectively tune cellular stiffness.

Finite element analysis validates design feasibility.

Potential applications in impact protection devices.

Abstract

Auxetic materials are a novel class of mechanical metamaterials which exhibit an interesting property of negative Poisson ratio by virtue of their architecture rather than composition. It has been well established that a wide range of negative Poisson ratio can be obtained by varying the geometry and architecture of the cellular materials. However, the limited range of stiffness values obtained from a given geometry restricts their applications. Research trials have revealed that multi-material cellular designs have the capability to generate range of stiffness values as per the requirement of application. With the advancements in 3D printing, multi-material cellular designs can be realized in practice. In this work, multi-material cellular designs are investigated using finite element method. It was observed that introduction of material gradient/distribution in the cell provides a means to tune cellular stiffness as per the specific requirement. These results will aid in the design of wearable auxetic impact protection devices which rely on stiffness gradients and variable auxeticity.