Phase transforming cellular matrix (PXCM) based tile design for a lightweight runway mat

A lightweight runway mat, comprising:

• a base portion having a first plurality of spaced columns extending therefrom;
• a loading platform portion having a second plurality of spaced columns extending therefrom;
• wherein the base portion and loading platform portion are matably interconnectible;
• wherein each respective column defines a plurality of operationally connected phase transforming cells;
• wherein each respective cell has a first and a second stable geometry;
• wherein energy transfer is required to shift from one stable geometric configuration to the other;
• and
• wherein the mat can withstand a compressive load in excess of 2.5 kN without yielding.

A flexible runway mat system, comprising:

• a plurality of base platforms, each respective base platform having a first pattern of phase transforming columns and voids extending from a respective flat member;
• a plurality of plane-engaging runway platforms, each respective plane-engaging runway platform having a second, reversed pattern of phase transforming columns and voids extending from a respective flat member such that each respective plane-engaging runway platform is lockingly engagable to a respective base platform to yield a landing segment with parallel top and bottom flat members;
• wherein each respective phase transforming column is further comprised of a plurality of stacked operationally connected phase transforming cellular members;
• wherein each respective phase transforming cellular member can shift from a first stable configuration to a second stable configuration in response to an applied load.