Deformable variable-stiffness cellular structures

A morphing cellular structure, comprising a group of unit cells with each unit cell having a cellular geometry, the group of unit cells being formed of a variable-stiffness material (VSM), where the VSM has a first stiffness state and a second stiffness state, and where the cellular structure has a first shape and a second shape, with a gradation of shapes between the first shape and second shape, and where the transition from the first shape to the second shape occurs through using an actuation signal to actuate the VSM from the first stiffness state to the second stiffness state to change the stiffness of the cellular structure, thereby allowing the cellular structure to be deformed from the first shape to the second shape, and any shape therebetween;

• and
• wherein the VSM is embedded with a linear elastic material to allow for bending along one-axis of freedom.

A method for forming a morphing cellular structure, comprising an act of forming a group of unit cells with each unit cell having a cellular geometry, the group of unit cells formed of a variable-stiffness material (VSM), where the VSM has a first stiffness state and a second stiffness state, and where the cellular structure has a first shape and a second shape, with a gradation of shapes between the first shape and second shape, and where the transition from the first shape to the second shape occurs through using an actuation signal to actuate the VSM from the first stiffness state to the second stiffness state to change the stiffness of the cellular structure, thereby allowing the cellular structure to be deformed from the first shape to the second shape, and any shape therebetween;

• and
• wherein each cell in the cellular structure has a cell wall having a gradation in stiffness property, such that the cell wall has a constant stiffness core inner material that is sandwiched between at least two layers of outer material formed of a variable-stiffness material, where out-of-plane loads are carried by the constant stiffness core inner material.