Self-adaptive mechanical metamaterials (SMM) using shape memory polymers for programmable postbuckling under thermal excitations

Here, we develop the self-adaptive mechanical metamaterials (SMM) using shape memory polymers (SMPs) to obtain the programmable thermo-mechanical response under thermal excitations. The generalized fractional viscoelastic model of SMPs is expanded to the mechanical metamaterials with arbitrary corrugation patterns, and the effective material properties (i.e., effective Young's modulus) are obtained for the theoretical characterization of the SMM. Theoretical models are developed to investigate the self-adaptive thermo-mechanical response (i.e., postbuckling response) of the SMM under thermal excitations using the modified couple stress theory. Parametric studies are carried out to investigate the tunability of the effective bending stiffness and temperature sensitivity. The SMM provide a promising strategy to exploit the performance of the mechanical metamaterials for temperature-triggered response with programmable self-adaption, and the reported theoretical models, comparing with the previous study, offer an effective approach to predict and maneuver the self adaptive mechanical response for advanced technological devices, such as thermo-mechanical sensing devices.

Automated summary

This study develops self-adaptive mechanical metamaterials using shape memory polymers to achieve programmable thermo-mechanical response. Theoretical models are used to investigate the response of these materials under thermal excitations, showing that they offer tunability for temperature-triggered response. This approach provides promising strategies for advanced technological devices such as thermo-mechanical sensing devices.