IRJET- Analysis of 2D Auxetic Metamaterial as a Variable Macro and Micro Structural Filter

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 06 Issue: 10 | Oct 2019 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
© 2019, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 7.34 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 695
Analysis of 2D Auxetic Metamaterial as a Variable Macro and Micro
Structural Filter
Abhishek Shivdeo1, Archit Hardikar2
1,2Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Pune, India
---------------------------------------------------------------------***----------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract – This paper explores the field of Auxetic
metamaterials with focus in mechanical perspective. The
auxetic structures were made from 3D printable PLA, RTV
silicon and lacerated rubber sheets. These structures were
experimented upon for calculating and comparing their
Poisson’s ratio and then they were tested for their
compatibility as a mechanical sieve for filtration
applications. Auxetic structure thus produced was showing
appreciable results in tension while auxetic structure made
from hot glue was showing appreciable results in
compression. This research work, thus, is an amalgamation
of the knowledge of Auxetics and the theory about
filtration. This paper further explores the applications of 2D
re-entrant auxetic metamaterials as a prospective
molecular filtration membrane.
Keywords—Auxetics, silicone, casting, sieve, negative
poisson’s ratio, auxetic filter
1. INTRODUCTION
Auxetic cellular structures exhibit negative Poisson’s
ratios so that, unlike regular cellular structures, they
show lateral shrinkage upon axial compression. In 1987,
Lakes first discovered the negative Poisson's ratio effect
in polyurethane foam with re-entrant structure which is
achieved by isotropic permanent volumetric compression
of conventional foam. These materials are of interest due
to possibility of enhanced mechanical properties such as
shear resistance, indentation resistance, fracture
toughness compared to conventional materials from
which they are made [1]. Materials with NPR produced by
transformation of conventional material into re-entrant
structure which allows properties like ultra-light weight,
high stiffness and negative thermal expansion coefficient
[2]. Rocks with microporous cracks have been reported to
exhibit poison's ratio near to -0.1. The effect is abolished
under water saturation or hydrostatic pressure [3].
Properties of re-entrant structure made from
thermosetting, thermoplastic and copper foams were
studied and it was found that re-entrant polymer foams
were more resilient than the corresponding conventional
foams [4]. In particular, for isotropic materials
thermodynamic stability arguments lead to the condition
that the Poisson's ratio lies in the interval (-1, 0.5) while
for anisotropic materials this interval is unbounded [5].
Negative values of Poisson’s ratio can be achieved for
specific values of the dimension and orientation of the
perforations. The hexagonal disposition of the
perforations makes the medium isotropic in the plane.
Using this negative value of Poisson’s ratio can be
achieved for specific orientation. [6]. Analytical model of
3D re-entrant honeycomb structure has been developed
based on deflection in beam [7]. Aluminum based auxetic
lattice structure has been fabricated by 3D printing and
investment casting and its compressive mechanical
behavior was studied. First the structure is 3D printed
using photosensitive resin. The mold is prepared from
this by plaster slurry. Then photosensitive resins are
burnt and aluminum is poured into it. [8]. Auxetic
material is manufactured with 3D printing technology
using fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer with
PLA based upon mathematical model and its validation is
checked with experimental results [9]. Use of hierarchical
tubes with re-entrant honeycomb structure as reinforced
fibers in composite materials result in higher resistance
to fiber pull-out. These tubes are manufactured from a
tube having auxetic cellular structure and it is used as
constructional element for next level of hierarchy [10]. In
some laminates composed of fibrous layers it is
theoretically possible to achieve poisons ratio of -0.21 in
the direction perpendicular to layers of control of
stacking sequence [11]. Thus, auxetic materials have
enhanced mechanical properties than the material from
which they are manufactured.
One of the prolific uses of auxetic materials in research is
in the world of robotics. Auxetic metamaterial is been
researched upon and plans are made and already being
executed to incorporate auxetic materials in soft robotics.
Instead of using actuators and bulky mechanical
structures, scientists are trying to using this metamaterial
with negative Poisson’s ratio to achieve the same
functions. These Meta materials show better results in
terms of movement, strength, more freedom and
flexibility and less bulkiness and thus finer space
consumption.
Main objectives of this research are:
 Compute and analyze the Poisson’s ratio for the
Auxetic structure and the fundamental material used
for making the structure.
 To test the auxetic structures for macro filtering
properties.

 Extrapolating these results for exploring further
applications of this structure as a molecular sieve.
1.1 Theory
1.1.1 Poisson’s Ratio:
Poisson’s ratio is a defined as negative of the ratio of
lateral and axial strain.
For normal materials, due to the opposite direction of
lateral and longitudinal strain, we get a positive Poisson’s
ratio. Yet, there are some materials which exhibit a
negative Poisson’s ratio. This means that when stretched
laterally, the material will show axial elongation as well,
thus resulting in the negative ratio. Such materials are
called Auxetic materials.
1.1.2 Auxetics:
Auxetic structures, attributing to their property of
negative Poisson’s ratio, are expected to have mechanical
properties such as high energy absorption and fracture
resistance.
Figure 1 Stresses in Conventional and Auxetic
Materials
Auxetic materials have greater energy dissipation during
impact and high amplitude dynamic loading, high
indentation resistance and uncommon filtering
properties. An auxetic filter will only release particles or
components of specific dimensions based on its current
unit cell dimensions which again depend on the stresses
acting on the structure. This gives rise to an accurate
molecular sieve.
1.1.3 Membranes:
A membrane blocks specified unnecessary entities from
passing through it and only allows the particles or
components that we want.
Figure 2 Mechanism of a membrane
[12]We have used the lacerated rubber sheet structure
and RTV Silicone auxetic structure as a mechanical
macro-filter. Using Auxetics as a filter provides two
advantages:
1. We can vary the size of the passageway by giving
stress as an input, which is not possible in the
conventional membranes having a stringent
allowance when it comes to letting the particles
pass.
2. Auxetics materials provide mechanical strengths
greater than normal membranes. Unlike
membranes made from multiple layers of active
think-film polyamide with some support layers,
this membrane made from auxetic structures
provides greater strength and resistance to wear
and tear.
Figure 3 Auxetic Membrane
2. Designing and Manufacturing
2.1 Calculations and Analysis
Firstly to demonstrate the phenomenon of negative
Poisson’s ratio, we manufactured a 2D Auxetic structure
using a elastic material. Design of the unit cell was fed to
the laser cutter and the paper was cut accordingly.
Next we manufactured the same auxetic structure and
added some thickness. This structure was 3D Printed

using PLA. The final 3D model was fed to the CAD based
3D Printer. We obtained the following model.
Figure 4.1 Diagram of Stretched Unit cell for Rubber
Sheet
Figure 4.2 Diagram of Stretched Unit cell for Rubber
Sheet
RADIUS OF CIRCUMCIRCLE
AREA OF CIRCUMCIRCLE
Figure 5 Auxetic Structure made from Rubber Sheet
Figure 6 Filtration in Auxetic Structure
Figure 7 Auxetic Structure made from 3D Printed PLA
Next, the auxetic material having re-entrant honeycomb
structure was manufactured by casting of liquid silicon.
The mold cavity was produced on 20mm thickness
wooden plank. Potter’s clay was plastered inside the
cavity to make the mold block. It took 12 hours for the

block to dry up at room temperature. The mold block was
extracted from the wooden planks by separating the two
wooden pieces. The procedure was repeated again to
make 10 such blocks. The top view of the auxetic
structure array shown in Fig. 1 was printed on a paper
using 1:1 scale. After that, the 10 blocks were stuck to the
paper using Fevicol adhesive. The walls of the mold
blocks were coated with talcum powder. Talcum powder
helps the hot glue to flow and reach greater depths than
without. The outer walls were made using talcum coated
cardboard. Hot glue was poured inside the cavity. Cooling
process got completed in 10 minutes. Cooling was done at
room temperature. The clay blocks were removed from
the cast. The casted product was cleaned and the
entrapped air bubbles were removed using the hot lead of
the glue gun. Touch up was done using hot glue. The
dimensions used for this casting process using hot glue
were h=26mm, l=13mm, ϴ=30°.
Figure 8 Auxetic Structure made from Reinforced Glue
For the product shown in Fig.2 RTV, silicone sealant was
used. A printout showing the top view of the design at 1:1
scale was taken and the silicone gel was applied directly.
The same process was also repeated using hot glue where
instead of the RTV silicone sealant hot silicone glue was
used.
Figure 9 Auxetic Structure made from RTV Silicone
2.1 Testing Procedure
In order to measure the Poisson’s ratio during
compression and expansion the deformation was recorded
by a camera. The longitudinal and lateral deformations
were measured by software Image J. To guarantee the
measuring precision, the transverse strains of the marked
points on the samples and each length were measured at
least 3 times. Similarly, the average longitudinal strain was
calculated from the longitudinal strains measured from
the left and right points. Using the average value of
measured data, the Poisson’s ratio can be calculated by the
following equation (2).
3. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
3.1 CALCULATIONS
Units:
 All the lengths measured are in mm.
 Angles are measured in degrees.
 Tensile strain is shown with ‘+’ sign while
compressive strain is shown with ‘-’ sign.
Equations used:



sinsin
cos2









l
h
 = Poisson’s ratio
h= height of unit cell
l= length of rib
ϴ= angle of rib with horizontal
strainallongitudan
strainlateral


TABLE 1 THEORETICAL POISSON’S RATIO
Sr.
No.
Simulation
h l ϴ
Poisson’s
ratio
1 24 13 30 -1.1142
2 26 12 30 -0.9
3 26 13 30 -1
4 28 12 30 -0.8181
5 36 20 30 -1.1538
6 38 19 30 -1
7 38 20 30 -1.0714
8. 40 18 30 -0.8709
9. 40 19 30 -0.9344
10 40 20 30 -1
TABLE 2.1 POISSON’S RATIO USING STRAIN VALUES
Sr. No.
Experimental Poisson’s ratio of auxetic honeycomb
made from RTV Silicone
Lateral strain
applied
Longitudinal strain
Poisson’s
Ration
1 0.0210 0.0217 -1.03
2 0.0275 0.0301 -1.09
3 0.0324 0.0268 -0.83
TABLE 2.1 POISSON’S RATIO USING STRAIN VALUES
Sr. No.
Experimental Poisson’s ratio auxetic structure
made from hot glue
Lateral strain
applied
Longitudinal strain
Poisson’s
Ration
1 -0.0128 -0.0153 -1.19
2 -0.0570 -0.0763 -1.33
3 -0.1445 -0.1593 -1.10
4 -0.2103 -0.1864 -0.88
5 -0.2568 -0.2220 -0.86
6 -0.2937 -0.2814 -0.96
Graph 1 Longitudinal Strain vs Lateral Strain
Graph 2 Strain vs Poisson’s Ratio
TABLE 3 ALLOWABLE RADIUS TO LET THE PARTICLE PASS
Sr.
No.
Analytical data of size of circular object that can pass
through auxetic sieve
Ɵ
(deg)
a
lateral
strain(mm)
Area of
circle (mm2)
Radius of
circle
(mm)
1 1 10 0.150386 0.0318987 0.10076535
2 10 10 1.433476 3.1818568 1.00638783
3 20 10 2.70383 12.630748 2.00511644
4 30 10 3.801394 28.059574 2.98858491
5 40 10 4.717815 48.999537 3.94930844
6 50 10 5.446119 74.814388 4.87997534
7 60 10 5.980762 104.71976 5.77350269
Graph 3 Area of Circumcircle vs Theta angle

Graph 3 Area of Circumcircle vs Lateral Strain
3.1 CONCLUSIONS
2D Auxetic structured were designed, manufactured and
experimented on. Behavior of 2D auxetic structure made
from silicone was studied under tension and one made
from hot glue was studied under compression and its
Poisson’s ratio was found at different strains. Poisson’s
ratio was found to be dependent completely upon the
dimension of the structure and not the material.
Poisson’s ratio of silicone is 0.48 but with auxetic
honeycomb structure made from silicone helped to
achieve Poisson’s ratio near to -1.
It was observed that with the increase in strain applied
on the auxetic structure in lateral or longitudinal
direction, the passageway for the particles widens.
This means that, greater the stress applied on the unit
cells, greater is the size or the radius of the particles that
are allowed through the auxetic membrane.
This way, auxetic membrane gives us the ability to vary
the passageway of the membrane and customize the
ability of the membrane to allow particles with varying
sizes to pass through it.
REFERENCES
[1] R. Lakes, “Foam structures with negative Poisson’s
ratio”, Science, vol.235, pp.1038-1040, 1987.
[2] C. M. Spadaccini, “Mechanical metamaterials: design,
fabrication & performance, Lawrence Livermore
National Laboratory, 2016.
[3] F. Homand-Etienne, R. Houpert, “Thermally induced
micro cracking in granite characterization and
analysis, International journal of rock mechanics and
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[4] E. Friis, R. Lakes, J. Park, “Negative Poisson's Ratio
Polymeric and Metallic Foams”, Journal of Materials
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[5] Y. C. Fung, “Foundation of Solid Mechanics”, Prentice-
Hall, Englewood, NJ, USA 1968.
[6] G. Carta, M. Burn, A. Baldi, Porous Materials with
Omnidirectional Negative Poisson's Ratio, 2015.
[7] L. Yang, O. Harryson, H. West, D. Cormier, “Mechanical
properties of 3D re-entrant honeycomb auxetic
structures realized via additive manufacturing”,
International Journal of solids and structures, vol.69-
70, pp.475- 490, 2015.
[8] Y. Xue, X. Wang, W. Wang, X. Zhong, F. Han,
“Compressive property of Al-based auxetic lattice
structures fabricated by 3-D printing combined with
investment casting”, Materials Science & Engineering
A, “in press”, 2018
[9] M. Mirzaali, S. Janbaz, M. Strano, L. Vergani & A.
Zadpoor, “Shape-matching soft mechanical
metamaterials”, Scienific reports, 2018.
[10] Y. Sun, N. Pungo, “Hierarchical fibres with a negative
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[11] C. T. Herakovich, “Composite laminates with negative
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[12] Lim TC, Acharya RU, “Performance evaluation of
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