Mechanical Properties of Metamaterials

This project is part of an eight-week summer research program at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), under the esteemed guidance of Professor Ankur Mehta in the LEMUR lab. For more information about the LEMUR lab, please visit their website.

Auxetics Structures

Auxetic structures are materials that exhibit a negative Poisson's ratio. Unlike conventional materials, which become thinner when stretched and thicker when compressed, auxetic materials increase in size when stretched and become smaller when compressed. This unique behavior is due to their internal structure, which allows for expansion in directions perpendicular to the applied force.

Understanding and utilizing auxetic structures can lead to significant advancements in various fields, including medical devices, protective equipment, and aerospace engineering. Their ability to absorb energy and resist fracture makes them ideal for applications where durability and flexibility are critical. Furthermore, auxetic materials can be designed to have specific mechanical properties, making them highly customizable for specific use cases.

My Contributions to the Project

• DXF_Files
  • This folder includes a collection of .dxf files that are ready for manufacture using a laser cutter or CAMEOs.
  
• Figures+Models+Images
  • Here you will find 3D models and images showcasing various curved surfaces, unit cells, unit cell arrangements, and auxetics in action.
  
• Repositories
  • This folder houses numerous repositories created by other researchers in the field of auxetics. Exploring their work and software developments can provide valuable insights. A PDF document in this folder offers a brief overview of the different repositories examined during the 8-week program.
• Research Papers
  • This folder contains several research papers read during the program, along with notes highlighting the main takeaways from each paper.

Videos: Simulated and Manufactured Structures

Additionally, the repository includes a Getting-Started document, which outlines good practices for reading research papers and how to make the best use of the repository. Lastly, there within the repository is a research paper summarizing the work in its entirety.

Further Recommendations

Review my previous blog posts for additional context and insights. Explore the work of Delsin Carbonell and Andrea Guerrero, who also have experience with auxetic structures from their time at LEMUR.

Feel free to reach out to me via LinkedIn if you have any questions.

GitHub Repository

All project resources can be found in the GitHub repository below. The GitHub repository contains several folders, each with valuable resources:

Access the project resources on GitHub: https://github.com/d8maldon/Auxetics