Projects

The non-dimensional analytical and experimental investigation of flexural wave propagation in a metasandwich, a structure consisting of two parallel Euler–Bernoulli beams connected periodically by translational and rotational springs. Using Bloch’s theorem and the transfer matrix method, the band structure of the metasandwich is determined. Unlike typical approaches, this study separately models the two parallel beams, marking their unique contribution. Insight into wave propagation or attenuation is gained from analyzing mode shapes and energy plots, with cross-recurrence plots used to examine mode shape similarities in the parallel beams

The limitation of fixed Poisson’s ratios and other elastic properties in multi-functional lattice materials can be modulated actively. Active lattice can be constructed using composite lattices combined with piezoelectric/ magnetostrictive materials, enabling active modulation of Poisson’s ratios and other elastic properties using voltage. A unit cell approach considering deformations, exact expressions for Poisson’s ratios and Young’s modulus are determined for various configurations. The research discovers the potential for active sign reversal in these properties under specific conditions, suggesting that certain lattices can exhibit unexpected behaviours contrary to conventional understanding.

Energy harvesting using piezo-patched hybrid lattice structures was investigated both experimentally and numerically. An experimental setup measured voltage output from an externally excited honeycomb lattice. Numerical simulations in COMSOL explored voltage output variations with changing cell angles. The experimental and numerical results align well. When extending the study to configurations like Unimorph/Bimorph, it was found that increasing the cell angle reduced the voltage output due to increased lattice stiffness.