Resilient multi-layered lattices with alternating chirality for self-recovering energy absorption

Abstract

This research focuses on the development of a high-performance metamaterial that combines dissipation and resilience, a subject of growing actual interest in vibration and impact mechanics as part of the quest for avant-garde self-recovering materials. In this context, a high-performance resilient layered metamaterial with alternating chiral topology is conceived and analyzed. Specifically, the single layer is realized via the periodic assembly of rigid disks connected by elastic ligaments and stacked using passing pins. The metadevice is formed by stacking layers with alternating chirality. This configuration induces relative rotations between the aligned discs in contact when in-plane forces are applied. Frictional dilating interfaces between adjacent disks produce a dissipative and resilient mechanical response, returning to the initial configuration at the end of the unloading phase. Specifically, the dissipative mechanism is designed to significantly attenuate vibratory motions and/or absorb energy during impact processes, while being reusable after the dynamic actions have acted on the metamaterial. This cutting-edge metamaterial offers several advantages over current technologies: i) hysteretic response with maximum dissipation of mechanical energy and high stiffness; ii) reuse of the device without external interventions, restoring the initial configuration at the end of the dynamic process; iii) multi-directional dissipative response; and iv) bilateral response, providing equal performance under both traction and compression.