Abstract: A valve for a pneumatic system, has: a first enclosure defining a first chamber and a first connection port; a second enclosure defining a second chamber and a second connection port; a first shell subjected to a first pressure differential and movable from a default position to a reversed position via snap-through buckling upon the first pressure differential reaching a threshold; and a second shell having a shape different than a shape of the first shell, the second shell resiliently movable from an initial position to a deformed position when subjected to a second pressure differential, wherein a first flow rate of a fluid via the first connection port induces deformation of the second shell followed by a snapping of the first shell thereby generating a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate.

Abstract: A valve for a pneumatic system, has: a first enclosure defining a first chamber and a first connection port; a second enclosure defining a second chamber and a second connection port; a first shell subjected to a first pressure differential and movable from a default position to a reversed position via snap-through buckling upon the first pressure differential reaching a threshold; and a second shell having a shape different than a shape of the first shell, the second shell resiliently movable from an initial position to a deformed position when subjected to a second pressure differential, wherein a first flow rate of a fluid via the first connection port induces deformation of the second shell followed by a snapping of the first shell thereby generating a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate.

Abstract: A metamaterial reversibly deformable when exposed to a temperature condition, has metaunits interconnected with one another to form a metaensemble. The metaunits include frames and cores attached to the frames, portions of the cores being free of connection with the frames. One of the frame and the core having a Young's modulus greater than that of the other and having a coefficient of thermal expansion less than that of the other. The metaensemble having a sequence code defining a target shape of the metaensemble, the sequence code including at least one geometric characteristic and at least one material characteristic of each of the frame and the core. The metamaterial with the sequence code being reversibly deformable from an initial shape to the target shape upon being exposed to the temperature condition, and back from the target shape to the initial shape upon withdrawal of the temperature condition.