Programmable metamaterial and method of controlling macroscopic properties of a metamaterial

Abstract

A method of controlling macroscopic properties of a metamaterial includes 3D printing a lattice structure comprising interconnected struts, where each strut comprises one or more printed filaments. Each printed filament comprises an active material or a passive material, and the active material has a modulus with a higher stimulus dependence than that of the passive material. The printed filaments comprising the active material are disposed at predetermined regions of the lattice structure. After 3D printing, the lattice structure is exposed to a stimulus, and the predetermined regions comprising the active material soften or stiffen. Thus, the macroscopic properties of the lattice structure may be controlled.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.