Damiano Pasini, McGill University

Title: Mechanics of Multi-shape Memory Kirigami Metamaterials

Abstract

Shape memory materials can hold temporary shapes without external support and return to their permanent form when triggered by an external cue. Current shape memory polymers face notable limitations, such as complex chemical tuning, a limited range of temporary shapes, and slow recovery speed. In this talk, I will demonstrate how a simplified multi-shape memory effect can be achieved in a family of kirigami metamaterials that rely solely on two commercially available materials that are not inherently shape-memory polymers. I will explain the mechanics and physical mechanisms governing their reprogrammable multi-shape memory, shape locking, large and controllable shape transformations, and swift recovery. Planar and spatial kirigami can reconfigure on demand in a geometrically rich and diverse set of stable temporary shapes, enabling multifunctionality in soft actuators and robotic grippers.