Pattern switching in two and three-dimensional soft solids

The results of an experimental investigation into pattern switching phenomena in three-dimensional cellular structures under compression are reported. It is found that the switch is mediated above a critical strain by an elastic instability which is coupled throughout the structure. Surprisingly, the phenomena are found to be essentially two-dimensional in nature with a uniform pattern switch in one of the directions orthogonal to the applied uniform strain. Selection of the direction of the pattern switch is realized using biaxial loading and the results interpreted in terms of multiple bifurcations. The relevance of the results to the construction of ordered 3D cellular structures and their use in phononic and photonic devices is discussed.