Multi-scale mechanical models for the design and optimization of micro-structured smart materials and metamaterials

Technological and sustainable progress is strategic for the revival of the Italian and European industry (“Industrial leadership” Horizon 2020). One of the challenges of the Mechanics of Solids and Structures is the design and modelling of micro-structured materials and multifunctional composite systems for sustainable and smart structural applications and for the replacement of rare materials (“EIP-Raw Materials” Horizon 2020), within the biomedical, aerospace, mechanical and civil industries. It has been widely proved that micro-structured and composite materials with mechanical properties superior to those of natural materials can be developed exhibiting extreme mechanical performance (“ultra-stiff” behaviour, or “negative-Poisson ratio”, but also “ultra-damping”, “temperature insensitive”, “super-tough”, “super-strong” behaviours). In this research field, the possibilities for designing and manufacturing new materials are endless. They are however severely limited by the lack of theoretical and computational models which accurately predict the mechanical behaviour to optimize the components, to increase industrial competitiveness, and to develop applications in line with the reliability and safety guarantees. The main objective of this research project is to provide theoretical and numerical tools together with their experimental validation for the prediction of the mechanical behaviour of innovative smart micro-structured materials and metamaterials, in the presence of multi-physics couplings like thermo-, electro-, magneto-, opto- mechanical. The main objective will be pursued developing innovative multi-scale models and optimization approaches, considering different materials and nano-and micro-structured devices, such as metamaterials, Shape Memory Alloys (SMA), Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and smart composites. The major expected results of the proposed research are: the formulation of new multi-physics models, new multi-scale approaches and new optimization techniques for smart materials and metamaterials; the optimized design of new micro-structured materials and metamaterials; the fabrication of prototypes at the micro and meso-scale. The major targeted applications are: acoustic metamaterials for new elastic wave filters at the micro and macro scale; auxetic metamaterials for new actuating mechanisms in MEMS; ceramic metamaterials and porous SMA for protection against impacts and explosions; porous SMA for vibration control; smart composites with highly improved structural performances. The six Research Units (RU) involved in the project have a long experience of common research and will pursue the project goals in a synergistic way, with strong interactions. The RUs will apply similar methodologies; models, theoretical and numerical approaches will be formulated in strict collaboration. Applications will be different for each RU ranging from micro to macro devices and structures.