Usually, a material can only be described in one of two ways: it is either firm or it can assimilate vibrations well, although rarely both. However, there would be a plethora of potential applications, from nanoscale design to aerospace engineering, if we were able to create materials that are both stiff and effective at absorbing vibrations.
Now, a group of researchers from the University of Amsterdam have discovered a method for making materials that are stiff but still effective at absorbing vibrations and, more importantly, that can be kept very light.
“We discovered that the trick was to use materials that buckle, like thin metal sheets,” explains David Dykstra, lead author of the study that was published in the journal Advanced Materials. When assembled in a cunning manner, developments made from such clasped sheets become extraordinary safeguards against vibrations — and yet, they protect a ton of the solidity of the material they are made from. Additionally, the sheets don’t need to be exceptionally thick, so the material can be kept generally light.”
The researchers carried out in-depth research on the characteristics of these buckled materials and discovered that each of them displayed a spellbinding combination of stiffness and the capacity to dissipate vibrations. The new lab-made materials, also known as metamaterials, have a very wide range of potential applications and scales because existing materials do not possess this desired combination of properties.
Potential purposes range from meter-sized (consider aviation, auto applications, and numerous other common plans) to the microscale (applications like magnifying instruments or nanolithography).
According to Dykstra, “Humans enjoy building things, both small and large, and we almost always want these structures to be light.” Many existing designs can be improved, and many new designs are possible if this is accomplished with materials that are both stiff and effective at absorbing shock. The applications that could be done with it are truly endless.”
More information: David M.J. Dykstra et al, Buckling Metamaterials for Extreme Vibration Damping, Advanced Materials (2023). DOI: 10.1002/adma.202301747
