Research Projects

Metamaterials are artificially designed materials whose mechanical properties are a function of the geometry of the structure and the material properties. Mechanical Metamaterials also feature unique dynamic properties that allow them to effectively function as vibration isolators, impact protectors, and elastodynamic cloaks. Since the geometry of the structure plays a significant role in determining the properties of the structure, there is significant effort towards exploring new methods of designing metamaterials. In this regard, Kirigami, the art of making cuts in plane sheets, endows the plane sheet with some interesting properties. Specifically, plane sheets can be morphed into 3D geometries upon application of a load, which then results in an out-of-plane bending stiffness for the morphed structure which is orders of magnitude higher than that of the pristine sheet. As a result of this change in stiffness, the dynamic properties of the sheet will also change significantly. Therefore, in this proposal, we will quantify the dynamic characteristics of Kirigami Metamaterials, with a focus on the vibration attenuation capabilities as well as the ability to program their properties on the fly using dynamic external loads.