Researchers at the University of Amsterdam have developed innovative materials that effectively balance stiffness and vibration absorption through the use of buckled metal sheets. Traditionally, stiffness and shock absorption are mutually exclusive traits in materials; however, this new approach combines both properties for a variety of applications. By ingeniously structuring thin metal sheets to buckle, these materials become exceptional at dissipating vibrations while maintaining lightweight stiffness. This breakthrough holds promise across multiple fields, from aerospace engineering to precision nanotechnology, enhancing both large-scale constructions, like aerospace and automotive designs, and microscale applications, such as microscopes and nanolithography. Lead author David Dykstra emphasizes the significance of these materials for improving existing designs and fostering new ones, making them desirable for human-made structures seeking lightweight solutions with enhanced resilience. Overall, this advancement in metamaterials could pave the way for a myriad of innovative applications, showcasing the vast potential when engineering clever material properties.
