Abstract: A micromechanical device capable of providing out-of-plane motion and force generation in response to an in-plane strain applied to the device is provided. Embodiments of the present invention comprise one or more islands that are operatively coupled with one or more hinges. The hinges are operative for inducing rotation of the islands when a lateral strain is applied to the structure. In some embodiments, the hinges are also electrically conductive such that they enable electrical communication between the one or more islands and devices external to the structure. Some embodiments of the present invention are particularly well suited for use in biological applications. Some devices in accordance with the present invention are fabricated using conventional planar processes, such as flex-circuit fabrication techniques.

Abstract: A micromechanical device capable of providing out-of-plane motion and force generation in response to an in-plane strain applied to the device is provided. Embodiments of the present invention comprise one or more islands that are operatively coupled with one or more hinges. The hinges are operative for inducing rotation of the islands when a lateral strain is applied to the structure. In some embodiments, the hinges are also electrically conductive such that they enable electrical communication between the one or more islands and devices external to the structure. Some embodiments of the present invention are particularly well suited for use in biological applications. Some devices in accordance with the present invention are fabricated using conventional planar processes, such as flex-circuit fabrication techniques.

Abstract: Composite material. The material included a matrix of a deformable material having a first stiffness and particles having a second stiffness different from the first stiffness are embedded near a surface of the matrix wherein a deformation of the matrix induces a change in topography of the surface. The particles may be stiffer or softer than the matrix material.

Abstract: Articulating protective systems for resisting mechanical loads and related methods are generally described. The protective structures described herein can incorporate one or more features that enhance the ability of the structure to resist an applied force while remaining sufficiently flexible to allow for movement of the object or person the structure is designed to protect.

Abstract: A flexible and stretchable patterned substrate is provided having a strain-permitting material comprising a patterned conformation that allows the flexible patterned substrate to experience local strain or local strain domains lower than the macroscopic strain of the flexible and stretchable patterned substrate.

Abstract: A transformative periodic structure includes a plurality of elastomeric or elasto-plastic periodic solids that experiences a transformation in the structural configuration upon application of a critical macroscopic stress or strain. The transformation alters the geometric pattern changing the spacing and the shape of the features within the transformative periodic structure. For the case of elastomeric periodic structures upon removal of the critical macroscopic stress or strain, the transformative periodic solids are recovered to their original form. For the case of elasto-plastic periodic structures upon removal of the critical macroscopic stress or strain, the new pattern is retained. Polymeric periodic solids can be recovered to their original form by heating or plasticizing.

Abstract: Co-continuous structured composite. The composite material includes a continuous material phase in intimate contact with a continuous second phase. A preferred embodiment has a continuous glassy polymer and a continuous elastomeric polymer; or a shape memory polymer phased together with an elastomeric phase. The composite of the invention has a combination of improved mechanical properties such as a unique combination of stiffness, strength and energy absorption, damage tolerance, multiple time constant viscoelastic and viscoplastic behaviors, and shape memory characteristics.

Abstract: Articulating protective systems for resisting mechanical loads and related methods are generally described. The protective structures described herein can incorporate one or more features that enhance the ability of the structure to resist an applied force while remaining sufficiently flexible to allow for movement of the object or person the structure is designed to protect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of forming a micro- or nano-topography on the surface of a composite material. The topography or the chemical nature of the surface may be modified or tuned. The methods of the invention may be run in a continuous fashion. The composite materials produced by the inventive methods may be micro- or nano-patterned membranes, for instance, for anti-fouling purposes.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to structured porous materials, where the porous structure provides a tailored Poisson's ratio behavior. In particular, the structures of this invention are tailored to provide a range in Poisson's ratio ranging from a negative Poisson's ratio to a zero Poisson's. Two exemplar structures, each consisting of a pattern of elliptical or elliptical-like voids in an elastomeric sheet, are presented. The Poisson's ratios are imparted to the substrate via the mechanics of the deformation of the voids (stretching, opening, and closing) and the mechanics of the material (rotation, translation, bending, and stretching). The geometry of the voids and the remaining substrate are not limited to those presented in the models and experiments of the exemplars, but can vary over a wide range of sizes and shapes. The invention applies to both two-dimensional structured materials as well as three dimensionally structured materials.

Abstract: A flexible and stretchable patterned substrate is provided having a strain-permitting material comprising a patterned conformation that allows the flexible patterned substrate to experience local strain or local strain domains lower than the macroscopic strain of the flexible and stretchable patterned substrate.

Abstract: A transformative periodic structure includes a plurality of elastomeric or elasto-plastic periodic solids that experiences a transformation in the structural configuration upon application of a critical macroscopic stress or strain. The transformation alters the geometric pattern changing the spacing and the shape of the features within the transformative periodic structure. For the case of elastomeric periodic structures upon removal of the critical macroscopic stress or strain, the transformative periodic solids are recovered to their original form. For the case of elasto-plastic periodic structures upon removal of the critical macroscopic stress or strain, the new pattern is retained. Polymeric periodic solids can be recovered to their original form by heating or plasticizing.

Abstract: A hierarchical composite armor is disclosed for protection against projectile impact comprising a plurality of platelets and a matrix substrate. The plurality of platelets are distributed in at least a first layer and in a second layer parallel to the first layer wherein the distribution of the platelets in the second layer is at least slightly offset from and overlaps the distribution of platelets in the first layer. The platelets are less thick than the overall thickness of the composite armor, and the platelets include a first material. The matrix substrate encapsulates the platelets, and the matrix substrate is different than the first material. The platelets and matrix substrate form an interactive network that dissipates a projectile's impact energy over an area much greater than the size of the projectile by synergistically transmitting the impact energy from platelets close to an impact location to platelets away from the impact location.

Abstract: Filler-enhanced polymeric fiber. High aspect ratio filler particles are placed into intimate contact during processing with a polymeric fiber. The filler particles serve as templates to orient the molecular structure of the polymeric fiber to enhance mechanical properties. The highly oriented molecular morphology results in enhanced axial stiffness and strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to seals having textured features. The present invention particularly relates to seals having contact surfaces with said features wherein the contact surface seals properly and is resistant to wear. The contact surface is able to perform in very severe environments, such as those found in earthmoving applications.

Abstract: A thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) is produced by melt blending until the volume fraction of dispersed rubber particles is greater than 0.5 preferably from 0.55 to 0.95, the remaining being the dispersed continuous plastic phase in a manner so as to develop a morphology which generates optimum elastic recovery. The majority (by volume) of large rubber particles are adjacent a small particle which is separated from one or more large particles by a critically thin, less than 0.1 $G(m)m thick, ligament of deformable plastic. When the majority of large particles evidence this morphology, as seen in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) photomicrograph, the TPV exhibits unexpectedly higher elastic recovery than if the ligaments were thicker. The foregoing is simulated in a micromechanical model which confirms, and in retrospect, predicts the observed actual elastic recovery of the TPV.

Abstract: A contact surface of a seal having textured features is described. The contact surface seals properly and is resistant to wear. The contact surface is able to perform in very severe environments, such as those found in earthmoving applications.