Shape-Morphing and Variable Stiffness Intelligent Structures

Yifan Wang, Nanyang Assistant Professor, Nanyang Technological University

Abstract

Structured Materials are lattices that derive their properties from the selection of both their constitutive materials and the geometry of their micro- and meso-structure. Most existing architected materials are intrinsically passive, with shape and properties fixed once manufactured. This limits their applications in areas where material adaptivity and tunability are required. In this talk, I will present the development of structured materials whose shape and mechanical properties can be controlled and adapted to varying load conditions. First of all, I will show a structured fabric with interlocking particles that has controllable stiffness and reconfigurable shape triggered by the jamming transition, which can be used for wearable technologies. Then, I will introduce a new class of robotic structures from architected particle assemblies. They combine three functions: shape changing, stiffness variation, and self-sensing into one monolithic structure. These works open routes towards creating the next generation of mechanical structures that adapt and tune their properties to varying environmental conditions, with applications ranging from smart wearables, medical supports, reconfigurable architectures, etc.