A Topology Optimization Framework for the Inverse Design of Nonlinear Mechanical Metamaterials
File(s)
Supporting information
Accepted version
Author(s)
Aveline, Charlie
Santer, Matthew
Hewson, Robert
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Mechanical metamaterials are hierarchical structures that can be designed to possess exotic properties such as auxeticity, tunable stiffness, and bistability by optimizing the geometry of their microscale unit cells. This work develops a computational framework in which an arbitrary set of homogenized stress-strain goal points is defined, and topology optimization is employed to synthesize a unit cell to achieve the desired response. The framework extends the current state-of-the-art by incorporating highly nonlin ear phenomena such as internal contact, snap-through buckling, and bistability in a single approach to capture a wide range of mechanical responses without the need for generating datasets, tuning parameters, or possessing prior knowledge of the optimal solution. Unit cells are generated for three challenging nonlinear responses and their behavior is validated via mechanical test ing. The framework will enable the generation of highly nonlinear unit cells for metamaterials in applications such as morphing, structures, soft robotics and energy absorbing materials.
Date Acceptance
2026-02-02
Citation
Advanced Engineering Materials
ISSN
1438-1656
Publisher
Wiley
Journal / Book Title
Advanced Engineering Materials
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2026 Copyright Owner. This is the author’s accepted manuscript made available under a CC-BY licence in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy)
License URL
Publication Status
Accepted