Metamaterial computation and fabrication of auxetic patterns for

architecture

Roberto Naboni
ACTLAB – Politecnico di Milano, Department ABC, Italy
[email protected]

Lorenzo Mirante
ACTLAB – Politecnico di Milano, Italy
[email protected]

Abstract
The paper investigates the potential of auxetics in architectural applications by means of computational design and additive
manufacturing. This class of metamaterials expresses interesting behaviour related to the unusual characteristics of a negative
Poisson’s ratio. Different patterns have been studied through a design workflow based on parametric software and the use of
Particle Spring systems to support the form-finding process of bending-active auxetic structures. An advanced understanding
of their bending capacity is explored with the use of variable infill patterns informed by structural analysis. Furthermore,
principles for the design and fabrication of auxetic gridshells are discussed.

Keywords Auxetics; Computational Design; Form-Finding; Synclastic Shell; 3D-printing

Introduction in architectural structures, taking advantage of their unique

properties.
Typically, the materials to which we are accustomed have
positive Poisson’s ratio, that is, the act of stretching is
expected to cause shrinking and the act of compressing Mechanic features and current applications
results in bulging. However, this common knowledge has The deformation mechanisms of auxetics depend on their
been challenged by auxetics, a class of materials which hinge-like structure, which flex outwards when stretched.
exhibit the unusual property of becoming wider when Their spatial organization in particularly-shaped low-density
stretched and narrower when compressed (Evans, 1991). patterns allows the hinge-like areas of the auxetic
This results from having a negative Poisson's ratio (v) - the microstructures to flex. The study and the computational
ratio of the lateral contractile strain to the longitudinal tensile development of these patterns offer an interesting perspective
strain for a material undergoing tension in the longitudinal for their future applications (Fig. 1). Auxetic structures exist in
direction (Evans, 2000). This class of materials has a many different scales: from the microstructural and molecular
relatively recent history, even if they have been known among to the mesoscopic and macroscopic scales (Evans, 2000). A
scientists for about a century. One of the earliest known large number of auxetic structures have been developed,
publications on this topic is titled Foam Structure with a such as foams, fibers, or composite materials, and many other
Negative Poisson’s Ratio (R.S. Lakes, 1987), but the term examples can be found in nature as well (Liu, 2010). In this
auxetic first appeared in the scientific article Molecular research the design and fabrication of macro-scale auxetics is
Network Design (Evans et al, 1991). It comes from the Greek explored for architectural applications.
αὐξητικός (auxetikos), literally translated in "which tends to
increase" and has its root in the word αὔξησις, or auxesis,
signifying "an increase". Auxetics can be essentially
considered as metamaterials which are artificially engineered
to gain emerging properties and functionalities otherwise
unattainable in natural materials (Chaturvedi, 2009). They rely
on specific spatial arrangements rather than material
composition, and for this reason they are organized in
patterns with precise shape, geometry, size, orientation and
arrangements. Performance and behaviour are direct
consequence of the design of their inherent architecture.
Expanding this concept, the research investigates the
architecture of auxetic materials towards their implementation
 Properties of auxetic structures
The interest in auxetic structures experienced a remarkable
spike during the last decades (Liu, 2006). A set of five
fundamental characteristics of auxetic structures, actively
explored and applied in various fields of research, can be
outlined (Liu, 2010):

 Synclastic curvature: the capacity of auxetics to form

dome-like, synclastic surfaces when bent (characterized
by a positive Gaussian curvature (K) at every point of the
surface);
 Compressive strength and shear stiffness: the capacity
of auxetic structures to resist forces both in compression
and shear;
 Indentation resistance: the capacity of auxetic structures,
mostly of foams, to shift more mass under the point of
compression;
 Variable permeability: the capacity of auxetic structures
to compress and expand, causing a variation in their
porosity;
Energy absorption and dissipation: the capacity of auxetic
structures to absorb and dissipate the energy received from
another body.

Synclastic behavior
Shear stiffness and synclastic curvature are the two
fundamental features investigated within this research. Shear
stiffness can be explained by the relationship between the
Poisson’s ratio v and the shear modulus G defined by Hooke’s
law, which states that when v decreases to -1, G increases
notably. In other words, the material becomes difficult to shear
but easy to deform volumetrically (Liu, 2010). The second
fundamental characteristic, regarding synclastic curvature,
describes how planar auxetic structures tend to form a
synclastic curvature when subjected to an out-of-plane
bending moment - a behavior which is contrary to that of
conventional elastic materials which display anticlastic
curvatures when bent(Fig.2).The variation of a surface
Figure 1: Examples of auxetic structures. 1a) molecular auxetic, 1b) curvature is an effective parameter in defining different
3d re-entrant, 1c) sinusoidal lattice, 1d) chiral, 1e) 2d re-
architectural results, and this research explores the
entrant, 1f) square rotating rigid units.
computational form-finding of synclastic auxetic structures
(Fig.3).
Nowadays auxetic structures have found several applications
in the biomedical industry (Scarpa, 2008) for the design of
stents and prostheses (Abdelaal, 2008); in the creation of
filters for chemical processes - auxetic foams mostly (Scarpa,
2015); in the generation of auxetic fibers for crash
helmets/body armours (Sanami, 2014); as well as in the
production of panels with high energy/vibration absorption
coefficients (Yang, 2013). Interestingly, transforming a well-
known material into its auxetic configuration often offers
improved mechanical features. Nevertheless, due to their low
density and complex structure, auxetics are inefficiently
manufactured with traditional processes, which involve
complex multistep procedures with heat-compression
molding. For this reason, current applications are generally
restrained to high-tech fields. In medical and chemical sectors
auxetics are mainly used for their capacity to variegate their
porosity, whereas in medical, chemical engineering and in
sport applications they are mainly exploited for their specific
mechanical properties. Figure 2: Typology of curvature 2a) Synclastic, 2b) Anticlastic and 2c)
Developable.
The capacity of auxetics to generate synclastic curvatures finding of synclastic auxetic gridshells. Additive Manufacturing
suggests a development perspective as a bending-active (AM) is used in different phases to prototype test models as
structure which defines complex curved geometries from the well as to empirically investigate different material
erection processes of planar elements that are elastically configurations, to tune and enhance the response of an
deformed. This creates advantages in the transportation and auxetic pattern. Sub-goals of the research are: (i)
assembly processes. The curved structures are influenced by implementing a convenient computational methodology to
residual stresses in their load bearing behaviour and structural design and simulate auxetic bending behaviour in a controlled
capacities (Lienhard 2014). Moreover, working with sufficiently way; (ii) determining optimal auxetic patterns for their
elastic structures, it is therefore possible to envision a structural implementation in architecture; (iii) understanding
dynamic process of shape adaptation through the the main parameters which affect the configuration of auxetic
implementation of kinetic structures. structures and their spatial articulation; (iiii) proposing custom
infill patterns to modulate bending performance in auxetic
components.

Methodological Procedures
Parametric design of auxetic patterns
A variety of auxetic patterns exist and each of them is
characterized by a set of parameters which influence their
behaviour. In literature, auxetic structures are classified into
several macro groups: re-entrant structures, chiral structures,
rotating rigid units, angle-ply laminates, molecular auxetic
structures, polymer models, origami-like structures and others
(Mir, 2014). Scientific literature already tackled the topic of 3D
origami-like auxetics and their potential applications in
lightweight architectural structures (Schenk, 2010). Our
research, on the other hand, focuses on two-dimensional
auxetics whose architectural potentialities have not been yet
fully explored. In contrast to origami-like auxetics, these types
of auxetic patterns achieve synclastic curvature through the
active-bending of structural elements rather than through the
rotation of faces along edges. In the initial phase of research,
different basic patterns have been explored and developed
parametrically with the use of Grasshopper for Rhinoceros as
lattice samples divided into a defined grid of 20 by 20 cells.
After the digital models were designed, prototypes were
materialized with a double extruder FDM printer using a
standard PLA filament allowing for an intuitive understanding
Figure 3: Architectural examples of different curvature typologies. In of the bending properties of the different patterns (Fig. 4).
columns, from above: Synclastic: Shigeru Ban, Expo
in Hannover, 2000 - Epcot Dome, Disney World, 1982 –
Foster and Partners, London City Hall, 2002.
Developable: Andrea Palladio, Basilica, Vicenza,
1614 - Giuseppe Mengoni, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II,
Milano, 1877 - Aldo Rossi, Scuola, Fagnano Olona 1976.
Anticlastic: Zaha Hadid, Pavilion for Serpentine
Gallery, London, 2013 - Emmanuel Pouvreau, CNIT,
Paris. 1958 - Frei Otto, Expo Montreal, 1967.

Objective
The objective of this research is to understand how auxetics
can perform in architecture as bending-active structures
towards the generation of lightweight synclastic gridshells. The
generation of the form in this case might be directly driven and Figure 4: Comparative analysis on 3d printer auxetic patterns.
informed by the application of an out-of-plane bending Horizontal rows show: A) relaxed state - top view, B)
moment and the physical behaviour of the auxetic material to compressed state - top view, C) compressed state - lateral
which it responds. Synclastic surfaces in architecture are view. All the samples perform auxetic behaviour in the in-
difficult to be achieved using traditional construction methods. plane stretching, while only the Re-entrant honeycombs
and mesostructured patterns show auxetic response also in
Moreover, lightweight synclastic surfaces are currently limited the out-of-plane bending.
to the use of air-supported structures.
The comparative tests highlighted the 2D re-entrant
Considering the necessity to preview the dynamic behaviour
honeycombs as a compelling design option for further
of bending-active structures, the research implements a
computational design methodology to simulate the form- research and development given the enhanced synclastic
curvature they are able to generate, their simple geometric
configuration (Malgorzata, 2009) and ease of customization. to understand the auxetic expansion/compression in relation
This pattern is composed of indented elastic rods which are to the variation of the parameter t, which defines the angles
called Chevron Rods and inelastic rods which are called characterizing the hexagons (Fig. 7a). Through the variation of
Parallel Rods (Fig. 5). this parameter within a range from 0 to 1, it is possible to
generate different kinds of hexagons: values from 0 to 0.5
define convex hexagons (Fig.7d), while values ranging from
>0.5 to 1 produce re-entrant hexagons (Fig.7b and Fig.7c).
The simulation shows how the variation of this parameter
influences the Poisson ratio and consequently the auxetic
properties of the structure. Fig. 7 shows the results of this test,
with Fig.7b presenting the layout of the structure in a relaxed
condition, Fig.7c showing the expanding behaviour of the
structure in an auxetic configuration (t = 0.73), whereas Fig.
7d reveals how the structure is stretched when turned into its
Figure 5: Schematization of rod typologies. The re-entrant non-auxetic version (t = 0.28) and the overall area decreases.
honeycombs pattern is defined by two types of rods: the
indented elastic rods called the Chevron rods and the
inelastic rods which are known as the parallel rods

This bi-directional pattern reaches a different configuration

according to the axial direction of bending forces (Fig. 6).
Research and experiments on the creation of isotropic auxetic
lattices can be found in literature (Lorato, 2010). In our
research differential responses according to the bending
direction is considered as an exploitable feature to generate
less predictable architectural results. Empirical tests proved
that forces applied on the indented sides produced synclastic
curvatures in opposition with forces applied in the parallel
direction.

Figure 7: The scheme shows how the change of the angular

parameter t affects geometry and expansion geometry
(7a). 7b) auxetic structure in relaxed state, 7c) auxetic
structure in extension and 7d) non-auxetic structure in
extension.

A subsequent test was carried out in a more complex situation

where a homogeneous field of upward forces was applied to
simulate out-of-plane bending. In opposition to the expected
results, the simplified out-of-plane bending for an auxetic
Figure 6: Bending analysis on a 3d printed model showing two
pattern (t > 0,5) resulted in a developable surface instead of a
different curvatures obtained by changing the axis of
synclastic one. This is to be understood as a consequence of
action
testing patterns with no extrusion in the z axis, which are
unable to provide sufficient sectional resistance to produce a
Auxetic behaviour in two dimensional patterns synclastic curvature.
The simulation of the bending behaviour of an auxetic pattern
is fundamental in order to develop its architectural application Form-finding of form-active auxetic structures
and to preview configurations under certain loading conditions.
Subsequent tests were performed on patterns extruded in the
Considering the advantage of working within a common
z-direction, converted into meshes and tested in Kangaroo,
modelling environment, simulations were performed with the
where physical forces were assigned to simulate the actual
Particle Springs Engine (PS) Kangaroo for Grasshopper. This
physical response of the prototyped patterns. A first set of
workflow guarantees the easy and effective testing of different
forces (i) named as springs is used to keep both chevron and
pattern solutions by defining anchor points and forces applied
parallel rods stiff (Fig.8a), a second set (ii) of the same
to the structure, without the need of exporting geometries, a
topology of forces is applied to guarantee the overall structure
factor of great importance in evaluating many different
in tension (Fig.8b). A third set of forces (iii) is applied on two
patterns.
external edges of the structure to induce a moment of forces
An initial test was performed on a default 2D re-entrant
by the combination of linear vectors with opposite direction
honeycomb structure with no extrusion on the z axis in order
acting with equal distance from a pivot point (Fig.8d). Within determine the creation of synclastic and anticlastic shells, with
internal and external loading configurations, a realistic bending values t = 0.76 and t = 0.40, respectively. Finally various
behaviour is obtained by assigning the maximum stiffness patterns with variable extrusions were generated by a tonal
parameters to all of the internal springs (i and ii), thus image sampler to understand the influence of complex height
accurately reproducing the behaviour recorded in the physical arrangements in the form-finding process (Fig.10).
prototypes

Figure 9: Test of the structure reaction to bending when thickness

variations are applied.

Figure 10: Differentiation of the pattern extrusion depending on the

set of gradients. For each example is shown: flat
configuration, bent configuration, curvature analysis of
chevron rods and curvature analysis of parallel rods.

Shape variations and microstructural optimization

A further implementation of the form-finding process is
possible through the description of the different initial grid
shapes, which consequently inform different curvatures of the
actively-bent structure. Changes in the initial configuration
allows for the possibility to customize the structural
morphology in order to produce articulated spatial
Figure 8: Forces set-up in Kangaroo. In 8a and 8b setting of internal compositions while reducing the number of anchor points
springs; 8c represents general scheme of applied needed on the ground. The resulting shapes were evaluated
compression and tension forces; 8d displays the moment of with the Finite Element (FE) solver of Millipede for
forces applied on the external edges.
Grasshopper which displays stresses and previews zones with
excessive deflection levels. This structural analysis provides
Several experiments testing the influence of variable sectional feedback to inform the extrusion values in any point of the
heights of the rods have also been performed (Fig.9). With an shell, optimizing structural performance and material usage.
extrusion of 1 unit the structure is not able to define a stable Moreover, the Finite Element solver revealed that the active-
shell: the chevron rods are not rigid enough to support the bending produced and internalized a different amount of
stresses. Increasing the extrusion values up to 30 units, stress in each rod. This analysis can be mapped to optimize
equivalent to 15% of the span, confers higher rigidity. Values bending capacity along the structure and control deformation
ranging from 2,5% to 10% of the span of the shell are and resistance of the shell at any individual point. Initial
considered suitable for a bending-active structure. Variation of experiments in the material organization of the auxetic
the parameter t in structures with constant extrusion values structure are conducted by the typology and density variation
of a simple infill grid: more dense infill is placed where higher Bending-active gridshells are essentially generated by the
rigidity is required, whereas less dense infill is used for the torsion of the elastic chevron rods whereas inelastic parallel
rods where an elastic behaviour is required in order to rods ensure stability to the structure. The rigidity of the parallel
guarantee the active bending of the overall structure (Fig. 11). rods and the flexibility of the chevron rods are the parameter
that mostly characterize 2D re-entrant auxetic structures.
Auxetic patterns were also discovered to have a specific axis
which results in a synclastic curvature, in the case of 2D re-
entrant lattice this corresponds to the direction perpendicular
to the chevron rods.

Parameters and pattern tuning

Auxetic patterns can be tuned in their response through the
modification of simple morphological parameters which
determine the material response of the structure. Variable
extrusion height and thickness contribute to modulate the
resistance to torsion, which influences the shape configuration
of the gridshell. Differential infill patterns within the linear
elements, which compose an auxetic cell, can be set to vary
the behaviour of the chevron and parallel rods (see Fig. 10c).
In particular, variations in the pattern topology affect the
bending behaviour more so than variations in density. An
Figure 11: Infill with modulated stiffness for 3D Printing. More elastic interesting comparison can be made with the work of
infill is applied to the chevron rods to favour elasticity Schumacher (2015) in which three-dimensional figures are
while the parallel rods are designed with stiffer infill. subdivided into different areas and - depending on the degree
of stiffness/elasticity that is needed - are filled with
Results microstructures that once printed will confer specific elastic
behaviours to each area.
The design methodology described above produces various
results in terms of computational workflow, understanding the
bending-active behaviour of auxetics and in terms of
fabrication processes.

Computational workflow for designing auxetics

An effective computational workflow within Grasshopper for
Rhino for designing auxetic patterns and simulating their
behaviour when subjected to forces is developed. The
parametric definition of auxetic patterns allows the possibility
to easily control features of the structure as well as
differentiation of the module according to variable surface/grid
inputs. The Particle Spring (PS) system of the Kangaroo
engine is used to preview the capacity to enlarge an area
when pulled in two opposite directions and to produce
synclastic geometries when bent. The research succeeded in
approximating real bending forces and accurately reproducing
the behaviour of physically printed prototypes. The possibility
to simulate and tune the parametric model in the same design
environment facilitates the iterative process of design.

Pattern comparison
Through this computational approach, a set of 3D-printed
samples have been designed and tested showing typical in-
plane auxetic behaviour. However, in contrast to what was
expected, only a few have produced synclastic curvatures
when an out-of-plane bending moment was applied. Among Figure 12: from top: planar structure, halfway bent structure, bent
structure.
the tested typologies, only the re-entrant honeycombs and
mesostructured materials demonstrated an actual synclastic
curvature. A comparative test highlights the 2D re-entrant Discussion
honeycombs as a compelling design option for further Auxetic metamaterials have unique characteristics which are
research and development given the enhanced synclastic explored in their architectural potential by parametric
curvature they are able to generate, their simple geometric modelling and Particle Spring systems. A workflow for the
configuration (Malgorzata, 2009) and ease of customization form-finding and analysis of bending-active structures based
towards the design of form-active gridshells. on auxetic patterns is proposed and effectively help to preview
the bending behaviours of such structures. After an analysis
of different options, the paper focuses on the study of 2D re- The transverse elastic properties of chiral honeycombs. Composites,
entrant structures which produce variably curved shells by the science and Technology, 70, 1057-1063.
parametrization of a few parameters of the planar patterns.
Their capacity to bend and support different loads is Małgorzata, J-M. (2009). Micromechanical Model of Auxetic Cellular
fundamental for architectural applications. The research Materials. Journal of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics 47, 4, 1-14.
identifies Additive Manufacturing (AM) as the ideal production
process to control the implications of an optimized Mir, M., Murtaza, N.A., Javaria, S., Ansari, U. (2014). Review of
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auxetic mega-structures. Future investigations will implement
http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/753496.
the discovered geometric and topological parameters into the
creation of complex spatial arrangements at architectural
Mozafar, S.R., Yunan, P., Zaini, A. (2014). Analytical solution and
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Acknowledgements
Otto F. and Burkhardt B. (1978). Multihalle Mannheim. Stuttgart
We would like to thank Prof. Ingrid Paoletti and our colleagues Freunde und F rderer der eichtbauforschung
from ACTLAB for supporting this project with enthusiasm. We
also express our gratitude to KLONER 3D which provided the
Sanami, M., Raviralaa, N., Kim, A., Alderson, A. (2014). Auxetic
fundamental fabrication equipment to develop this work. Materials for Sport Applications. Procedia Engineering, 72, 453 – 458.

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