arXiv subjects

Chiara Daraio

Publications and source records attributed to Chiara Daraio.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2020

Compliant morphing structures from twisted bulk metallic glass ribbons

In this work, we investigate the use of pre-twisted metallic ribbons as building blocks for shape-changing structures. We manufacture these elements by twisting initially flat ribbons about their (lengthwise) centroidal axis into a helicoidal geometry, then thermoforming them to make this configuration a stress-free reference state. The helicoidal shape allows the ribbon to have preferred bending directions that vary throughout its length. These bending directions serve as compliant joints and enable several deployed and stowed configurations that are unachievable without pre-twist, provided that compaction does not induce material failure. We fabricate these ribbons using a bulk metallic glass (BMG), for its exceptional elasticity and thermoforming attributes. Combining numerical simulations, an analytical model based on shell theory and torsional experiments, we analyze the finite-twisting mechanics of various ribbon geometries. We find that, in ribbons with undulated edges, the twisting deformations can be better localized onto desired regions prior to thermoforming. Finally, we join together multiple ribbons to create deployable systems. Our work proposes a framework for creating fully metallic, yet compliant structures that may find application as elements for space structures and compliant robots.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2020

Systematic two-scale image analysis of extreme deformations in soft architectured sheets

The multi-scale nature of architectured materials raises the need for advanced experimental methods suitable for the identification of their effective properties, especially when their size is finite and they undergo extreme deformations. The present work demonstrates that state-of-the art image processing methods combined with numerical and analytical models provide a comprehensive quantitative description of these solids and their global behaviour, including the influence of the boundary conditions, of the manufacturing process, and of geometric and constitutive non-linearities. To this end, an adapted multi-scale digital image correlation analysis is used to track both elongations and rotations of particular features of the unit cell at the local and global (homogenized) scale of the material. This permits to observe with unprecedented clarity the strains for various unit cells in the structure and to detect global deformation patterns and heterogeneities of the homogenized strain distribution. This method is here demonstrated on elastic sheets undergoing extreme longitudinal and shear deformations. These experimental results are compared to non-linear finite element simulations, which are also used to evaluate the effects of manufacturing imperfections on the response. A skeletal representation of the architectured solid is then extracted from the experiments and used to create a purely-kinematic truss-hinge model that can accurately capture its behaviour. The analysis proposed in this work can be extended to guide the design of two-dimensional architectured solids featuring other regular, quasi-regular or graded patterns, and subjected to other types of loads.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2020

Temperature-induced shape morphing of bi-metallic structures

In this work, we study the thermo-mechanical behavior of metallic structures designed to significantly change shape in response to thermal stimuli. This behavior is achieved by arranging two metals with different coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), Aluminum and Titanium, as to create displacement-amplifying units that can expand uniaxially. In particular, our design comprises a low-CTE bar surrounded by a high-CTE frame that features flexure hinges and thicker links. When the temperature increases, the longitudinal expansion of the high-CTE portion is geometrically constrained by the low-CTE bar, resulting in a large tangential displacement. Our design is guided by theoretical models and numerical simulations. We validate our approach by fabricating and characterizing individual units, one dimensional arrays and three-dimensional structures. Our work shows that structurally robust metallic structures can be designed for large shape changes. The results also demonstrate how harsh environmental conditions (e.g., the extreme temperature swings that are characteristic of extraterrestrial environments) can be leveraged to produce function in a fully passive way.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2020

Shape-morphing architected sheets with non-periodic cut patterns

We investigate the out-of-plane shape morphing capability of single-material elastic sheets with architected cut patterns that result in arrays of tiles connected by flexible hinges. We demonstrate that a non-periodic cut pattern can cause a sheet to buckle into three-dimensional shapes, such as domes or patterns of wrinkles, when pulled at specific boundary points. These global buckling modes are observed in experiments and rationalized by an in-plane kinematic analysis that highlights the role of the geometric frustration arising from non-periodicity. The study focuses on elastic sheets, and is later extended to elastic-plastic materials to achieve shape retention. Our work illustrates a scalable route towards the fabrication of three-dimensional objects with nonzero Gaussian curvature from initially-flat sheets.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2020

Bandgap widening by disorder in rainbow metamaterials

Stubbed plates, i.e., thin elastic sheets endowed with pillar-like resonators, display subwavelength, locally-resonant bandgaps that are primarily controlled by the intrinsic resonance properties of the pillars. In this work, we experimentally study the bandgap response of a tunable heterogeneous plate endowed with reconfigurable families of pillars. We demonstrate that, under certain circumstances, both the spectrum of resonant frequencies of the pillars and their spatial arrangement influence the filtering characteristics of the system. Specifically, both spatially graded and disordered arrangements result in bandgap widening. Moreover, the spectral range over which attenuation is achieved with random arrangements is on average wider than the one observed with graded configurations.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2020

A flexible spiraling-metasurface as a versatile haptic interface

Haptic feedback is the most significant sensory interface following visual cues. Developing thin, flexible surfaces that function as haptic interfaces is important for augmenting virtual reality, wearable devices, robotics and prostheses. For example, adding a haptic feedback interface to prosthesis could improve their acceptance among amputees. State of the art programmable interfaces targeting the skin feel-of-touch through mechano-receptors are limited by inadequate sensory feedback, cumbersome mechanisms or narrow frequency of operation. Here, we present a flexible metasurface as a generic haptic interface capable of producing complex tactile patterns on the human skin at wide range of frequencies. The metasurface is composed of multiple "pixels" that can locally amplify both input displacements and forces. Each of these pixels encodes various deformation patterns capable of producing different sensations on contact. The metasurface can transform a harmonic signal containing multiple frequencies into a complex preprogrammed tactile pattern. Our findings, corroborated by user studies conducted on human candidates, can open new avenues for wearable and robotic interfaces.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2020

Enhancement of deep-subwavelength band gaps in flat spiral-based phononic metasurfaces using the trampoline phenomena

Elastic and acoustic metamaterials can sculpt dispersion of waves through resonances. In turn, resonances can give rise to negative effective properties, usually localized around the resonance frequencies, which support band gaps at subwavelength frequencies (i.e., below the Bragg-scattering limit). However, the band gaps width correlates strongly with the resonators' mass and volume, which limits their functionality in applications. Trampoline phenomena have been numerically and experimentally shown to broaden the operational frequency ranges of two-dimensional, pillar-based metamaterials through perforation. In this work, we demonstrate trampoline phenomena in lightweight and planar lattices consisting of arrays of Archimedean spirals in unit cells. Spiral-based metamaterials have been shown to support different band gap opening mechanisms, namely, Bragg-scattering, local resonances and inertia amplification. Here, we numerically analyze and experimentally realize trampoline phenomena in planar metasurfaces for different lattice tessellations. Finally, we carry out a comparative study between trampoline pillars and spirals and show that trampoline spirals outperform the pillars in lightweight, compactness and operational bandwidth.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2019

Architected Lattices with Adaptive Energy Absorption

Energy absorbing materials, like foams used in protective equipment, are able to undergo large deformations under low stresses, reducing the incoming stress wave below an injury or damage threshold. They are typically effective in absorbing energy through plastic deformation or fragmentation. However, existing solutions are passive, only effective against specific threats and they are usually damaged after use. Here, we overcome these limitations designing energy absorbing materials that use architected lattices filled with granular particles. We use architected lattices to take advantage of controlled bending and buckling of members to enhance energy absorption. We actively control the negative pressure level within the lattices, to tune the jamming phase transition of the granular particles, inducing controllable energy absorption and recoverable deformations. Our system shows tunable stiffness and yield strength by over an order of magnitude, and reduces the transmitted impact stress at different levels by up to 40% compared to the passive lattice. The demonstrated adaptive energy absorbing system sees wide potential applications from personal protective equipment, vehicle safety systems to aerospace structures.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2019

Plant cells-based biological matrix composites

The global increase in materials consumption calls for innovative materials, with tailored performance and multi-functionality, that are environmentally sustainable. Composites from renewable resources offer solutions to fulfil these demands but have so far been dominated by hybrid petrochemicals-based matrixes reinforced by natural fillers. Here, we present biological matrix composites with properties comparable to wood and commercial polymers. The biocomposites are obtained from cultured, undifferentiated plant cells, dehydrated and compressed under controlled conditions, forming a lamellar microstructure. Their stiffness and strength surpass that of commercial plastics of similar density, like polystyrene, and low-density polyethylene, while being entirely biodegradable. The properties can be further tuned varying the fabrication process. For example, filler particles can be integrated during fabrication, to vary the mechanical response or introduce new functionalities.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2018

Characterization of vertically aligned carbon nanotube forests grown on stainless steel surfaces

Vertically aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) forests are a particularly interesting class of nanomaterials, because they combine multifunctional properties, such as high energy absorption, compressive strength, recoverability and super-hydrophobicity with light weight. These characteristics make them suitable for application as coating, protective layers and antifouling substrates for metallic pipelines and blades. Direct growth of CNT forests on metals offers the possibility to transfer the tunable CNT functionalities directly onto the desired substrates. Here, we focus on characterizing the structure and mechanical properties, as well as wettability and adhesion of CNT forests grown on different types of stainless steel. We investigate the correlations between composition and morphology of the steel substrates with the micro-structure of the CNTs, and reveal how the latter ultimately controls the mechanical and wetting properties of the CNT forest. Additionally, we study the influence of substrate morphology on the adhesion of CNTs to their substrate. We highlight that the same structure-property relationships govern the mechanical performance of CNT forests grown on steels and on Si.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2018

Observation of nonreciprocal wave propagation in a dynamic phononic lattice

Acoustic waves in a linear time-invariant medium are generally reciprocal; however, reciprocity can break down in a time-variant system. In this Letter, we report on an experimental demonstration of nonreciprocity in a dynamic one-dimensional phononic crystal, where the local elastic properties are dependent on time. The system consists of an array of repelling magnets, and the on-site elastic potentials of the constitutive elements are modulated by an array of electromagnets. The modulation in time breaks time-reversal symmetry and opens a directional band gap in the dispersion relation. As shown by experimental and numerical results, nonreciprocal mechanical systems like the one presented here offer opportunities to create phononic diodes that can serve for rectification applications.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2018

Autonomous Deployment of a Solar Panel Using an Elastic Origami and Distributed Shape Memory Polymer Actuators

Deployable mechanical systems such as space solar panels rely on the intricate stowage of passive modules, and sophisticated deployment using a network of motorized actuators. As a result, a significant portion of the stowed mass and volume are occupied by these support systems. An autonomous solar panel array deployed using the inherent material behavior remains elusive. In this work, we develop an autonomous self-deploying solar panel array that is programmed to activate in response to changes in the surrounding temperature. We study an elastic "flasher" origami sheet embedded in a circle of scissor mechanisms, both printed with shape memory polymers. The scissor mechanisms are optimized to provide the maximum expansion ratio while delivering the necessary force for deployment. The origami sheet is also optimized to carry the maximum number of solar panels given space constraints. We show how the folding of the "flasher" origami exhibits a bifurcation behavior resulting in either a cone or disk shape both numerically and in experiments. A folding strategy is devised to avoid the undesired cone shape. The resulting design is entirely 3D printed, achieves an expansion ratio of 1000% in under 40 seconds, and shows excellent agreement with simulation prediction both in the stowed and deployed configurations.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2018

Architected lattices for simultaneous broadband attenuation of airborne sound and mechanical vibrations in all directions

Phononic crystals and acoustic metamaterials are architected lattices designed to control the propagation of acoustic or elastic waves. In these materials, the dispersion properties and the energy transfer are controlled by selecting the lattices' geometry and their constitutive material properties. Most designs, however, only affect one mode of energy propagation, transmitted either as acoustic, airborne sound or as elastic, structural vibrations. Here, we present a design methodology to attenuate both acoustic and elastic waves simultaneously in all polarizations. We experimentally realize the first three-dimensional, load bearing, architected lattice, composed of a single-material, that responds in a broadband frequency range in all directions.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2018

Experimental realization of on-chip topological nanoelectromechanical metamaterials

Topological mechanical metamaterials translate condensed matter phenomena, like non-reciprocity and robustness to defects, into classical platforms. At small scales, topological nanoelectromechanical metamaterials (NEMM) can enable the realization of on-chip acoustic components, like unidirectional waveguides and compact delay-lines for mobile devices. Here, we report the experimental realization of NEMM phononic topological insulators, consisting of two-dimensional arrays of free-standing silicon nitride (SiN) nanomembranes that operate at high frequencies (10-20 MHz). We experimentally demonstrate the presence of edge states, by characterizing their localization and Dirac cone-like frequency dispersion. Our topological waveguides also exhibit robustness to waveguide distortions and pseudospin-dependent transport. The suggested devices open wide opportunities to develop functional acoustic systems for high-frequency signal processing applications.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2018

Accordion-like metamaterials with tunable ultra-wide low-frequency band gaps

We study lightweight, elastic metamaterials consisting of tensegrity-inspired prisms, which present wide, low-frequency band gaps. For their realization, we alternate tensegrity elements with solid discs in periodic arrangements that we call "accordion-like" meta-structures. We show through analytical calculations and numerical simulations that these structures are characterized by low-frequency band gaps with strong uniform wave attenuation due to the coupling of Bragg scattering and local resonance mechanisms. This coupling helps to overcome the inherent limit of a narrow band-gap width for conventional locally-resonant metamaterials and to extend the wave attenuation to wider frequency ranges. Moreover, the band gaps can be further increased, provided a minimum structural damping is present, and tuned to desired frequencies by changing the applied prestress levels in the tensegrity structure. Results are corroborated by parametric studies showing that the band-gap frequencies are preserved for wide variations of geometric and material structural properties.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2018

Nonlinear nano-electromechanical lattices for high-frequency, tunable stress propagation

Active manipulation of mechanical waves at high frequencies opens opportunities in heat management, radio-frequency (RF) signal processing, and quantum technologies. Nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) are appropriate platforms for developing these technologies, offering energy transducibility between different physical domains, for example, converting optical or electrical signals into mechanical vibrations and viceversa. Existing NEMS platforms, however, are mostly linear, passive, and not dynamically controllable. Here, we report the realization of active manipulation of frequency band dispersion in one-dimensional (1D) nonlinear nanoelectromechanical lattices (NEML) in the RF domain (10-30 MHz). Our NEML is comprised of a periodic arrangement of mechanically coupled free-standing nano-membranes, with circular clamped boundaries. This design forms a flexural phononic crystals with a well-defined band gaps, 1.8 MHz wide. The application a DC gate voltage creates voltage-dependent on-site potentials, which can significantly shift the frequency bands of the device. Dynamic modulation of the voltage triggers nonlinear effects, which induce the formation of phononic band gaps in the acoustic branch. These devices could be used in tunable filters, ultrasonic delay lines and transducers for implantable medical devices.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2018

Tuning frequency band gaps of tensegrity metamaterials with local and global prestress

This work studies the acoustic band structure of tensegrity metamaterials, and the possibility to tune the dispersion relation of such systems by playing with local and global prestress variables. Building on established results of the Bloch-Floquet theory, the paper first investigates the linearized response of chains composed of tensegrity units and lumped masses, which undergo small oscillations around an initial equilibrium state. The stiffness of the units in such a state varies with an internal self-stress induced by prestretching the cables forming the tensegrity units, and the global prestress induced by the application of compression forces to the terminal bases. The given results show that frequency band gaps of monoatomic and biatomic chains can be effectively altered by the fine tuning of local and global prestress parameters, while keeping material properties unchanged. Numerical results on the wave dynamics of chains under moderately large displacements confirm the presence of frequency band gaps of the examined systems in the elastically hardening regime. Novel engineering uses of the examined metamaterials are discussed.

nlin.PS↗

arXiv2018

Nonlinear Excitations in Magnetic Lattices with Long-Range Interactions

We study - experimentally, theoretically, and numerically - nonlinear excitations in lattices of magnets with long-range interactions. We examine breather solutions, which are spatially localized and periodic in time, in a chain with algebraically-decaying interactions. It was established two decades ago [S. Flach, Phys. Rev. E 58, R4116 (1998)] that lattices with long-range interactions can have breather solutions in which the spatial decay of the tails has a crossover from exponential to algebraic decay. In this Letter, we revisit this problem in the setting of a chain of repelling magnets with a mass defect and verify, both numerically and experimentally, the existence of breathers with such a crossover.

nlin.PS↗