Three-dimensional transformable modular kirigami based programmable architected materials

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel three-dimensional modular kirigami design that enables reconfigurable architected materials with diverse structures and properties, surpassing traditional single-degree-of-freedom metamaterials.

Contribution

Introduction of a transformable 3D modular kirigami with multiple degrees of freedom for creating versatile, reconfigurable architected materials with complex structures and functionalities.

Findings

Reconfigurable 1D periodic column-like materials with bifurcated states

2D lattice-like materials with phase transition of chirality

3D multilayered architected materials with programmable deformation modes

Abstract

Metamaterials achieve unprecedented properties from designed architected structures. However, they are often constructed from a single repeating building block that exhibits monotonic shape changes with single degree of freedom, thereby leading to specific spatial forms and limited reconfigurability. Here we introduce a transformable three-dimensional modular kirigami with multiple degrees of freedom that could reconfigure into versatile distinct daughter building blocks. Consequently, the combinatorial and spatial modular assembly of these building blocks could create a wealth of reconfigurable architected materials with diverse structures and unique properties, including reconfigurable 1D periodic column-like materials with bifurcated states, 2D lattice-like architected materials with phase transition of chirality, as well as 3D quasiperiodic yet frustration-free multilayered architected materials in a long-range order with programmable deformation modes. Our strategy opens an avenue to design a new class of modular reconfigurable metamaterials that are reprogrammable and reusable for potential multifunctionality in architectural, phononic, mechanical, and robotic applications.