Smart Metamaterials through 4D Printing: A Path Towards Programmable Functionality

• Grant number: 24/19298-4
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Mechanics of Solids
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Carlos de Marqui Junior
• Grantee: Carlos de Marqui Junior
• Principal researcher abroad: Mahdi Bodaghi
• Institution abroad: Nottingham Trent University, England
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Leopoldo Pisanelli Rodrigues de Oliveira
• Associated research grant: 18/15894-0 - Periodic structure design and optimization for enhanced vibroacoustic performance: ENVIBRO, AP.TEM

Abstract

Metamaterials are engineered structures designed to exhibit properties not found in naturally occurring materials. They have received attention due to their exceptional ability to manipulate waves, improved mechanical behaviour, and other physical properties. Using smart materials enables them to be programmed and adapt their properties under different conditions. Although the modelling and experimental realizations of programmable smart metamaterials have progressed over the last few years, their manufacturing is an issue that needs to be addressed. 4D printing technology has recently become a promising option for realizing these programmable capabilities as it combines additive manufacturing with stimuli-responsive materials, creating structures that change shape or properties over time when exposed to external factors. Therefore, integrating 4D printing and metamaterials offers a promising opportunity for developing smart, programmable systems with highly tunable properties. Therefore, this SPRINT project is an opportunity for the two groups to become acquainted with each other's current projects and capabilities and combine the work they have carried out independently on smart metamaterials and 4D printing. At the end of the project, besides the opportunities to enhance the ENVIBRO project, it is hoped that the two research groups will be able to work on a much larger joint Project involving smart metamaterials through 4D printing. (AU)