1
|
Yang Y, Xu F. Computational morphology and morphogenesis for empowering soft-matter engineering. NATURE COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE 2024:10.1038/s43588-024-00647-y. [PMID: 38849558 DOI: 10.1038/s43588-024-00647-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Yang
- Institute of Mechanics and Computational Engineering, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Xu
- Institute of Mechanics and Computational Engineering, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Das S, Kunjam P, Ebeling JF, Barthelat F. Gradients of properties increase the morphing and stiffening performance of bioinspired synthetic fin rays. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2024; 19:046011. [PMID: 38722377 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ad493c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
State-of-the-art morphing materials are either very compliant to achieve large shape changes (flexible metamaterials, compliant mechanisms, hydrogels), or very stiff but with infinitesimal changes in shape that require large actuation forces (metallic or composite panels with piezoelectric actuation). Morphing efficiency and structural stiffness are therefore mutually exclusive properties in current engineering morphing materials, which limits the range of their applicability. Interestingly, natural fish fins do not contain muscles, yet they can morph to large amplitudes with minimal muscular actuation forces from the base while producing large hydrodynamic forces without collapsing. This sophisticated mechanical response has already inspired several synthetic fin rays with various applications. However, most 'synthetic' fin rays have only considered uniform properties and structures along the rays while in natural fin rays, gradients of properties are prominent. In this study, we designed, modeled, fabricated and tested synthetic fin rays with bioinspired gradients of properties. The rays were composed of two hemitrichs made of a stiff polymer, joined by a much softer core region made of elastomeric ligaments. Using combinations of experiments and nonlinear mechanical models, we found that gradients in both the core region and hemitrichs can increase the morphing and stiffening response of individual rays. Introducing a positive gradient of ligament density in the core region (the density of ligament increases towards the tip of the ray) decreased the actuation force required for morphing and increased overall flexural stiffness. Introducing a gradient of property in the hemitrichs, by tapering them, produced morphing deformations that were distributed over long distances along the length of the ray. These new insights on the interplay between material architecture and properties in nonlinear regimes of deformation can improve the designs of morphing structures that combine high morphing efficiency and high stiffness from external forces, with potential applications in aerospace or robotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Das
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, 427 UCB, 1111 Engineering Dr, Boulder, CO 80309, United States of America
| | - Prashant Kunjam
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, 427 UCB, 1111 Engineering Dr, Boulder, CO 80309, United States of America
| | - Jona Faye Ebeling
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, 427 UCB, 1111 Engineering Dr, Boulder, CO 80309, United States of America
- Department of Nature and Engineering, City University of Applied Sciences Bremen, Hermann-Köhl-Straße 1, 28199 Bremen, Germany
| | - Francois Barthelat
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, 427 UCB, 1111 Engineering Dr, Boulder, CO 80309, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
An S, Cao Y, Jiang H. A mechanically robust and facile shape morphing using tensile-induced buckling. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eado8431. [PMID: 38781341 PMCID: PMC11114219 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado8431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Inspired by the adaptive mechanisms observed in biological organisms, shape-morphing soft structures have emerged as promising platforms for many applications. In this study, we present a shape-morphing strategy to overcome existing limitations of the intricate fabrication process and the lack of mechanical robustness against mechanical perturbations. Our method uses tensile-induced buckling, achieved by attaching restraining strips to a stretchable substrate. When the substrate is stretched, the stiffness mismatch between the restraining strips and the substrate, and the Poisson's effect on the substrate cause the restraining strips to buckle, thereby transforming initially flat shapes into intricate three-dimensional (3D) configurations. Guided by an inverse design method, we demonstrate the capability to achieve complicated and diverse 3D shapes. Leveraging shape morphing, we further develop soft grippers exhibiting outstanding universality, high grasping efficiencies, and exceptional durability. Our proposed shape-morphing strategy is scalable and material-independent, holding notable potential for applications in soft robotics, haptics, and biomedical devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siqi An
- School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Yajun Cao
- School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
| | - Hanqing Jiang
- School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
- Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310024, China
- Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310030, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Delory A, Kiefer DA, Lanoy M, Eddi A, Prada C, Lemoult F. Viscoelastic dynamics of a soft strip subject to a large deformation. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:1983-1995. [PMID: 38284472 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01485a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
To produce sounds, we adjust the tension of our vocal folds to shape their properties and control the pitch. This efficient mechanism offers inspiration for designing reconfigurable materials and adaptable soft robots. However, understanding how flexible structures respond to a significant static strain is not straightforward. This complexity also limits the precision of medical imaging when applied to tensioned organs like muscles, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels among others. In this article, we experimentally and theoretically explore the dynamics of a soft strip subject to a substantial static extension, up to 180%. Our observations reveal a few intriguing effects, such as the resilience of certain vibrational modes to a static deformation. These observations are supported by a model based on the incremental displacement theory. This has promising practical implications for characterizing soft materials but also for scenarios where external actions can be used to tune properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Delory
- Institut Langevin, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France.
- Physique et Mécanique des Milieux Hétérogènes, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris Cité, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Daniel A Kiefer
- Institut Langevin, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Maxime Lanoy
- Laboratoire d'Acoustique de l'Université du Mans (LAUM), UMR 6613, Institut d'Acoustique - Graduate School (IA-GS), CNRS, Le Mans Université, 72085 Le Mans, France
| | - Antonin Eddi
- Physique et Mécanique des Milieux Hétérogènes, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris Cité, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Claire Prada
- Institut Langevin, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Fabrice Lemoult
- Institut Langevin, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|