International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, Volume. 5, Issue 4, 42013(2023)

The design, manufacture and application of multistable mechanical metamaterials-a state-of-the-art review

Rui Xu1... Chuanqing Chen1, Jiapeng Sun1, Yulong He1,2, Xin Li3,*, Ming-Hui Lu1 and and Yanfeng Chen1 |Show fewer author(s)
Author Affiliations
  • 1College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210093, People’s Republic of China
  • 2Institute of Applied Mechanics, College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, People’s Republic of China
  • 3School of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, People’s Republic of China
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    Multistable mechanical metamaterials are a type of mechanical metamaterials with special features, such as reusability, energy storage and absorption capabilities, rapid deformation, and amplified output forces. These metamaterials are usually realized by series and/or parallel of bistable units. They can exhibit multiple stable configurations under external loads and can be switched reversely among each other, thereby realizing the reusability of mechanical metamaterials and offering broad engineering applications. This paper reviews the latest research progress in the design strategy, manufacture and application of multistable mechanical metamaterials. We divide bistable structures into three categories based on their basic element types and provide the criterion of their bistability. Various manufacturing techniques to fabricate these multistable mechanical metamaterials are introduced, including mold casting, cutting, folding and three-dimensional/4D printing. Furthermore, the prospects of multistable mechanical metamaterials for applications in soft driving, mechanical computing, energy absorption and wave controlling are discussed. Finally, this paper highlights possible challenges and opportunities for future investigations. The review aims to provide insights into the research and development of multistable mechanical metamaterials.

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    Rui Xu, Chuanqing Chen, Jiapeng Sun, Yulong He, Xin Li, Ming-Hui Lu, and Yanfeng Chen. The design, manufacture and application of multistable mechanical metamaterials-a state-of-the-art review[J]. International Journal of Extreme Manufacturing, 2023, 5(4): 42013

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    Paper Information

    Category: Topical Review

    Received: Apr. 17, 2023

    Accepted: --

    Published Online: Jul. 24, 2024

    The Author Email: Li Xin (xinli@njust.edu.cn)

    DOI:10.1088/2631-7990/acf96a

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