Session: 16-01-01: Government Agency Student Poster Competition

Paper Number: 150094

150094 - Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaotic Vibrations in Biomimetic Scale Metamaterials 

Biomimetic scale materials have shown tremendous promise as templates for high-performance structures primarily due to their programmable elasticity, functionality, and fracture behavior. These materials, inspired by natural systems, can be precisely engineered to exhibit specific mechanical properties, making them ideal for various applications from aerospace engineering to medical implants. The ability to program their elasticity allows for tailored responses to stress and strain, optimizing performance and durability. Additionally, their unique fracture behavior enables these materials to absorb and dissipate energy efficiently, enhancing their resilience under various loading conditions. These attributes make biomimetic materials highly desirable for developing advanced, efficient, and sustainable structural solutions. However, their dynamic behavior is less well studied but is no less fascinating and useful. The inherent nonlinearity in elastic response leads to complex nonlinear oscillations, which can significantly influence their performance in dynamic environments. Understanding these oscillations is helpful for applications where materials are subjected to varying and often unpredictable forces, such as in automotive components or structural health monitoring systems.

The research presented focuses on exploring the nonlinear dynamics of biomimetic scale metamaterials, specifically those incorporating rigid structures on soft substrates, resembling natural organisms' structures like fish scales, alligator osteoderms, etc. These metamaterials exhibit unique mechanical behaviors such as nonlinear stiffness and anisotropic deformation. The primary motivation behind this study is to understand and harness the chaotic dynamics that arise in metamaterials under forced vibrations. Unlike traditional materials, metamaterials can exhibit complex and unpredictable behaviors due to their structurally nonlinear interactions. This chaotic behavior, influenced by parameters like system stiffness, damping, and external load characteristics, poses challenges but also offers opportunities for innovation in engineering applications. The purpose is to identify critical parameters that lead to chaotic vibrations, aiming to guide the design of biomimetic scale metamaterials to prevent such occurrences and enhance their reliability and performance. The study contributes significantly to advancing the science of metamaterials by focusing on their dynamic properties, an area that has received less attention than static behaviors. By developing an integrated parameter model that considers nonlinear stiffness, the research provides a framework for predicting and controlling chaotic flows in metamaterials. This understanding not only expands fundamental knowledge but also informs practical applications such as vibration isolation, noise reduction, and sensor technologies. Additionally, exploring chaotic metamaterials opens up new possibilities for secure communications, random number generation, and adaptive structures, thereby broadening the scope of metamaterial applications in various fields of engineering and technology. This model considers factors like system stiffness, damping coefficients, and the characteristics of external loads to analyze the onset and characteristics of chaotic vibrations. Preliminary findings suggest that under certain conditions of system stiffness, damping, and external load amplitude and frequency, metamaterials exhibit chaotic vibrations. These chaotic flows can potentially lead to irreversible damage if not properly managed. The research identifies critical parameter ranges contributing to chaotic behavior, providing insights into how structural design modifications can mitigate such dynamics.

 

Conclusions drawn from the study emphasize the importance of considering nonlinear stiffness in metamaterial design to enhance their resilience and reliability in practical applications. By adjusting the geometric configurations and material properties of metamaterials, it is possible to control their dynamic responses, thereby optimizing their performance in vibration control and other engineering applications. In summary, this study represents a significant step forward in understanding and harnessing the dynamic properties of metamaterials. It not only sheds light on the complex behaviors exhibited by these materials but also provides practical guidance for designing more robust and effective metamaterial-based systems. By bridging theoretical insights with practical applications, the study paves the way for future advancements in engineering materials with tailored and diverse properties, promising innovations across multiple technological domains.

Presenting Author: Omid Bateniparvar University of Central Florida

Presenting Author Biography: My name is Omid Bateniparvar, and I am a PhD student in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Central Florida under the supervision of Dr. Ranajay Ghosh. My research interests include vibrations, biomimetics, and metamaterials.

Authors:

Omid Bateniparvar University of Central Florida
Ranajay Ghosh University of Central Florida