Adam Bekele

Meta-modelling of lattice materials for sustainable civil engineering

Started: October 2016

Supervisors: Professor Ahmer Wadee; Dr Andrew Phillips

Description of Research

This research aims to investigate the mechanical behaviour and utilization of auxetic metamaterials within civil engineering infrastructure. These auxetic lattice structures have a negative Poisson’s ratio due to their re-entrant geometrical configurations. Through analytical models and numerical methods such as the Finite Element method, the elastic deformation from large displacements and the load carrying capacity will be examined. Three-dimensional models of sandwich panels using cores comprising auxetic lattices will be explored further for various applications such as impact resilience and energy absorption purposes. Moreover, experimental tests will be carried out on 3D printed prototypes to compare with the computational results.