Abstract: A pressurized, fluid-filled channel network embedded in an elastic structure, asymmetrically to the neutral plane, is used to create a deformation field within the structure by the pressurization of the embedded fluidic network, which can be applied in accordance with external forces acting on the structure. The deformation of the structure resulting from the liquid pressure and geometry of the network is related to a continuous deformation-field function. This enables the design of networks creating steady arbitrary deformation fields as well as to eliminate deformation created by external time varying forces, thus increasing the effective rigidity of the beam. By including the effects of the deformation created by the channel network on the beam inertia, the response of the beam to oscillating forces can be modified, enabling the design of channel networks which create pre-defined oscillating deformation patterns in response to external oscillating forces.

Abstract: A pressurized, fluid-filled channel network embedded in an elastic structure, asymmetrically to the neutral plane, is used to create a deformation field within the structure by the pressurization of the embedded fluidic network, which can be applied in accordance with external forces acting on the structure. The deformation of the structure resulting from the liquid pressure and geometry of the network is related to a continuous deformation-field function. This enables the design of networks creating steady arbitrary deformation fields as well as to eliminate deformation created by external time varying forces, thus increasing the effective rigidity of the beam. By including the effects of the deformation created by the channel network on the beam inertia, the response of the beam to oscillating forces can be modified, enabling the design of channel networks which create pre-defined oscillating deformation patterns in response to external oscillating forces.