Formation of complex ordered patterns by harnessing mechanical instability in geometrically frustrated lattices
Sung Kang (Harvard University), Sicong Shan (Harvard University), Katia Bertoldi (Harvard University)
Instability in Solids and Structures
Tue 9:00 - 10:30
Barus-Holley 190
The large deformation and dramatic shape changes generated by mechanical instabilities in soft, porous structures provide us unique opportunities to dynamically tune not only the microstructure, but also the material properties. We have studied a new pattern formation mechanism by coupling instabilities with geometric frustration using numerical/theoretical analysis and experiments. More specifically, we investigated complex ordered patterns generated from geometrically frustrated lattices where a local order preferred by neighboring lattice wall interactions cannot propagate through the entire lattices due to geometrical constraints. We will present how we can harness the phenomena to design tunable structures. Our findings will not only enhance our understanding about fundamental principles that govern the behaviors of materials structures but also can find potential applications in controlling mass transport and wave propagation.