Fig. 4: Mechanical properties of larger beaded networks.
From: Beaded metamaterials
a A beaded column consisting of loops with n = 4 and elastomeric thread is stretched and compressed, revealing three regimes: linear elastic (yellow), strain stiffening (green), and superjamming (purple). Loading and unloading paths are marked with black and white arrows, respectively. Scale bar, 30 mm. b μ-CT imaging of the column in a with in-situ forcing in the following configurations: jammed (i), neutral (ii), and stretched (iii). Scale bars, 10 mm. c A beam beaded with loops of n = 3 is threaded with SMA wire, which contracts ~4% when heated by electric current. We perform a 3-point bending test and report the mean fitted slopes (F/δ) for repeated trials, with and without voltage applied. Scale bar, 15 mm. d Photograph of a catenary dome beaded using loops of n = 5, 6, and 7. The surface is constructed with large acrylic beads (R = 10 mm), waxed polyester cord, and is subject to gravity. Bending via the distribution of characteristic slack in the network causes localized stiffening, leading to metastability and many possible rigid conformations. Scale bar, 100 mm. e Photograph of a rigid, egg-crate-like surface beaded using loops of n = 4, 6, and 8. The surface is constructed with small acrylic beads (R = 6 mm). Up and down states are marked in white and gray, respectively. Photographs of the corresponding structures are shown in i–iv. Scale bar, 30 mm. Source data is available in Supplementary Data 3.
