Morpho-plastic cellular metamaterials

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel approach to creating morphable cellular metamaterials using irreversible plastic deformations inspired by biological growth, enabling stable, multi-target configurations for deployable structures.

Contribution

The study presents a simple actuation method leveraging plastic deformations to achieve permanent shape change and multistability in cellular metamaterials, expanding their design and application potential.

Findings

Enables stable, permanent shape transformations in cellular structures.

Allows sequential, multi-target configurations through simple actuation.

Facilitates transformation of flat designs into complex 3D forms.

Abstract

Deployable structures, essential across various engineering applications ranging from umbrellas to satellites, are evolving to include soft, morphable designs where geometry drives transformation. However, a major challenge for soft materials lies in achieving reliable actuation and stable shape retention in their deployed state. Drawing inspiration from biological growth processes, we demonstrate that irreversible plastic deformations can be leveraged to create cellular metamaterials with permanent morphing capabilities. By employing a simple actuation method, stretching and releasing the structure's ends, our approach facilitates the design of structures capable of sequential, multi-target configurations and mechanical multistability. Our methodology augments additive manufacturing to transform flat, printable designs into intricate 3D forms, with broad applications in consumer goods, healthcare, and architecture.