2D graded tensegrity-inspired metamaterial

We are pleased to announce that the article entitled “2D graded tensegrity-inspired metamaterials with hexagonal cells fabricated via additive manufacturing”, authored by Wojciech Gilewski, Adam Zawadzki, Marta Thammavong and Anna Al Sabouni-Zawadzka, has been published in the journal 2D Materials.

The paper presents a comprehensive numerical and experimental investigation of two-dimensional tensegrity-inspired metamaterials fabricated using additive manufacturing techniques. Particular attention is given to structures with graded mechanical properties, enabling precise tailoring of stiffness and the mechanical response under applied loading.

The study employs a continuum tensegrity model to determine the effective elastic properties of the cellular structures. It is demonstrated that the unit cell geometry and the stiffness ratio between cables and struts have a crucial influence on the resulting mechanical behavior.

The proposed structures were fabricated at the laboratory scale using MultiJet Printing technology and subsequently subjected to experimental testing. The results confirm the possibility of designing metamaterials with controllable deformation modes.

The obtained results represent an important step toward the design of advanced engineering materials with programmable properties, with potential applications in lightweight structures, vibration mitigation systems, and adaptive materials.