Science Daily January 22, 2021
Researchers in Switzerland have developed metamaterial made of silicon and magnetic powder which has a complicated structure that allows mechanical properties to vary. Each cell within the structure behaves like an electrical switch. It is possible to activate and deactivate individual cells by applying a magnetic field which modifies the internal state of the metamaterial, and consequently its mechanical properties. The programmable material is analogous to computer devices like hard drives. The devices contain bits of data that can be written to and read from in real time. The cells in this programmable metamaterial, called m-bits, work like the bits in a hard drive — they can be switched on, making the material stiffer, or off, making it more flexible. It is possible program various combinations of on and off to give the material exactly the mechanical properties needed at any given time…read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Design, programming and mechanical response of a single m-bit. Credit: Nature volume 589, pages386–390(2021)