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Design and Analysis of a Frictional Mechanical Metamaterial for Energy Dissipation

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Thesis(4.99 MB)

Date

2025

Authors

Fayet, Axel

Supervisor

Ramezani, Maziar

Item type

Thesis

Degree name

Master of Engineering

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Publisher

Auckland University of Technology

Abstract

This thesis explores the design, fabrication, and testing of a frictional mechanical metamaterial for efficient energy dissipation. Unlike conventional materials, metamaterials derive their properties from their shape rather than their composition. This allows finer and better control over mechanical behavior. In this study, a novel unit cell design is proposed, leveraging friction as the primary mechanism for energy dissipation. The metamaterial is 3Dprinted using TPU and CPEHG100 filament, chosen for its flexibility and durability, as well as its use in previous research in the lab. A modular assembly is also manufactured to test scalability and prepare future developments. The research integrates both numerical simulations and experimental testing to evaluate the performance of the metamaterial under compressive loading. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is conducted using ANSYS, attempting to come as close as possible to experimental setup. Simulation results are compared with physical tests conducted using a compression machine, focusing on energy dissipation values based on force-displacement hysteresis loops. The study also investigates failure modes and discrepancies between simulation and experimental setup. Results indicate that the proposed metamaterial exhibits effective energy dissipation through frictional sliding mechanisms within the unit cells. The modular assembly demonstrates consistent energy dissipation values, highlighting its linear scalability. However, discrepancies between simulation and experimental data are attributed to assumptions in contact modeling, material behavior and manufacturing methods. The findings contribute to the development of frictional metamaterials for energy dissipation, opening pathways for applications in impact protection and seismic engineering. Furthermore, the modular design approach provides adaptability for future research, such as the potential integration of Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs) for energy harvesting. This research advances the field of mechanical metamaterials by offering a simple solution for energy dissipation through friction. Future work will focus on optimizing model parameters, exploring alternative materials, and investigating fatigue behavior to expand understanding of these designs.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10292/19319

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Masters Theses