Shape Changing of Responsive Elastomer Structures

Caitlyn Cook | 20-FS-035

Executive Summary

This study will explore the feasibility of using liquid-crystal elastomers to additively manufacture lattice structures that can dynamically change their dimensions and porosities in response to light- or temperature-based stimuli. If viable, this technology could lead to the development of novel mechanical metamaterials, microscale mechanical logic gates, and lattice microfluidics with applications to national missions in stockpile stewardship, energy security and climate resilience, and chemical and biological countermeasures.