Numerical Characterization of the Mechanics of Bézier-Based Lattice-Beams

Abstract

Metamaterials are controlled arrangements of material structures in which their mechanical properties can be tailored by tuning their geometrical parameters. A parametrization based on cubic Bézier curves is employed here to generate cantilever lattice-beams by changing the position of a free control point. The apparent stiffness of these lattice-beams is numerically analyzed by means of tensile, bending, and free vibration simulations. Results expose the influence of shear deformation in the mechanical behavior of beams made from a cellular material; different degrees of variation depending on the loading conditions and lattice topology are observed and discussed.