Fundamentals of Engineering Mechanics (MECH 003) is typically a sophomore level course in the Department of Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics. Students are introduced to the concepts of static equilibrium of particles and rigid bodies, the analysis of simple truss and frame structures, internal forces, stress, strain, and Hooke’s Law, as well as the torsion of circular shafts and pure bending of beams.
Over the past two years, Associate Professor Natasha Vermaak has integrated a new project in the course that exposes the students to research topics and skills in the study of mechanical metamaterials.
Mechanical metamaterials are structures that are engineered to have tailored or exotic mechanical properties that derive from their geometry and can be distinct from their constituent material(s). Some examples of well-known mechanical metamaterials that are auxetic (have a negative Poisson’s ratio) are shown in the detail photo. Having a negative Poisson’s ratio results in an unconventional behavior: When stretched, the structures become thicker in the direction perpendicular to the applied force (rather than the expected thinner). This unconventional behavior can improve energy absorption and failure resistance and is used widely in protective equipment, medical devices, aerospace applications and more. Vermaak’s Thermostructural research group has recently published a study on these structures regarding the interaction of auxeticity and cyclic plasticity.
The photos show the aluminum-based auxetic metamaterial that is the subject of the MECH 003 project. The group project connects to a variety of the core topics in the course and gives students experience in mechanical drawing, finite element analysis, and mechanical testing (shown in photos), with exciting directions for student manufacturing in the future. The project deployment was supported by MechE Engineering Technicians Bill Maroun, Dick Towne, graduate TA Rodrigo Manzano Navarette, and undergraduate researchers Kaitlyn Poust ’28 and Anna Patti ’26.
