On the use of negative thermal expansion engineered structures in flexural-mode solid-state thermoacoustics

Recent numerical studies have shown evidence of self-sustained oscillations in solids due to externally-applied spatial thermal gradients. In analogy with its acoustic counterpart in gases, this phenomenon was dubbed solid-state thermoacoustics (SSTA). Such heat-driven oscillation can give rise to either longitudinal or flexural motion, depending on the specific design of the system. Although an experimental proof of self-sustained motion in flexural-mode SSTA (F-SSTA) devices has yet to be produced, previous experimental studies pointed to the reduction of the effective damping as a clear indicator of the thermo-mechanical energy conversion process at the core of the F-SSTA mechanism. The F-SSTA theory suggested that negative thermal expansion (NTE), which is not a common property in natural materials, offers a remarkable opportunity to enhance the F-SSTA instability. The present study explores a design approach that leverages the unique features afforded by the solid state design in order to improve the overall performance of F-SSTA's devices and reduce the technological gap to achieve, in a near future, a successful experimental validation. The proposed design approach leverages a hybrid bilayer beam concept where one of the two layers is designed to exhibit NTE properties. More specifically, the NTE layer is composed of a bi-material octet truss that contracts in the axial direction upon heating. This axial contraction is particularly beneficial to induce a strong thermal bending moment that ultimately enhances the F-SSTA instability. In addition, this work also furthers the conceptual understanding of the F-SSTA process by presenting an analytical perturbation energy budget developed on the basis of a simplified discrete model. These theoretical considerations provide new important insights in the energy conversion mechanism at the basis of the F-SSTA process, hence helping reducing the gap of knowledge towards a successful experimental realization of the F-SSTA effect.

Automated summary

Recent studies have shown that self-sustained oscillations can occur in solids due to externally-applied thermal gradients. These oscillations can result in either longitudinal or flexural motion. This study explores a design approach that leverages the unique features of solid state design to enhance the performance of flexural-mode SSTA devices and improve our understanding of the energy conversion mechanism behind this process.