Multistable structures
Multistable structures
Context and motivation
We are progressing from a world made of materials whose properties depend on chemical composition to one where geometry plays the most important role. Advanced numerical methods and data-driven approaches are readily available to tailor the micro-architecture of materials for targeted properties. Instead of avoiding instabilities, we seek them out to obtain transformable structures than can morph into prescribed and distinct stable shapes. We also rely on nonlinearities arising from geometry to simplify actuation and embed intelligence in reconfigurable structures that adapt to their environment.
Mission and vision
In our research lab, we focus on embodying physical intelligence in highly deformable structures. This means integrating complex and multiple functionalities in engineering systems (e.g. actuation, sensing, control) by exploiting nonlinear, geometry-driven phenomena found when inflating, folding, cutting, buckling, and shaping matter. We develop theoretical, numerical, and experimental tools to tune and apply these phenomena in the fields of (1) multistable deployable structures; (2) instability-driven soft robots; and (3) 3d-printed mechanical metamaterials. Our long-term vision is to create adaptive matter by embodying actuation, deformation, control, and sensing in the bulk materials and geometry of synthetic devices. This will enable the design of mechanical machines that adapt their shape, properties, and functionality based on external stimuli.
Prior and potential impact
Our past research has been featured in Nature, Science Robotics, Advanced Functional Materials, Quebec Science, Nature Video and Podcast, WIRED, CBC Decouverte and others.
Moving forward, we seek to embrace elastic instabilities in the design of highly deformable, adaptive systems rather than to see them as structural failure modes. This fundamental research will generate immediate impact and push the boundaries of active fields of research in extreme mechanics simulations, derivative-free optimization, multi-material 3d-printing, advanced composite manufacturing, and robotics. Instability-driven structures will bring high-risk high-reward opportunities to change the way we design engineering systems across fields.
Active Projects
Morphogenesis through mechanical instabilities: how the physics of growth can shape biological matter
Design and additive manufacturing of modular multistable mechanical metamaterials with tunable properties
Past Projects
Kirigami-inspired parachutes: Programming the reconfiguration of flexible disks
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