Design of small auxetic springs for furniture

Auxetic structures, due to their negative Poisson's ratios, should have a positive effect on the comfort of using seating furniture. The aim of this study was to develop numerical models of auxetic compression springs suitable for seat structures of office and home furniture. Analyses were conducted on real and numerical models of different spring structures having concave cell walls, subjected to uniaxial compression. By changing the modulus of elasticity for the material of the frame and geometry of the internal structure non-linear characteristics of rigidity and negative Poisson's ratios were established for designed springs. Based on numerical calculations structures best adapted to provide functionality for to the seats of resting and work furniture were identified. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.