We formulate a relaxed linear elastic micromorphic continuum model with symmetric Cauchy forcestresses and curvature contribution depending only on the micro-dislocation tensor. Our relaxed model is still able to fully describe rotation of the microstructure and to predict non-polar size-effects. It is intended for the homogenized description of highly heterogeneous, but non polar materials with microstructure liable to slip and fracture. In contrast to classical linear micromorphic models our free energy is not uniformly pointwise positive definite in the control of the independent constitutive variables. The new relaxed micromorphic model supports well-posedness results for the dynamic and static case. There, decisive use is made of new coercive inequalities recently proved by Neff, Pauly and Witsch and by Bauer, Neff, Pauly and Starke. The new relaxed micromorphic formulation can be related to dislocation dynamics, gradient plasticity and seismic processes of earthquakes. It unifies and simplifies the understanding of the linear micromorphic models.

Gabrio Piola’s scientific papers have been underestimated in mathematical physics literature. Indeed, a careful reading of them proves that they are original, deep and far-reaching. Actually, even if his contribution to the mechanical sciences is not completely ignored, one can undoubtedly say that the greatest part of his novel contributions to mechanics, although having provided a great impetus to and substantial influence on the work of many preeminent mechanicians, is in fact generally ignored. It has to be remarked that authors Capecchi and Ruta dedicated many efforts to the aim of unveiling the true value of Gabrio Piola as a scientist; however, some deep parts of his scientific results remain not yet sufficiently\ud illustrated. Our aim is to prove that non-local and higher-gradient continuum mechanics were conceived already in Piola’s works and to try to explain the reasons for the unfortunate circumstance which caused the erasure of the memory of this aspect of Piola’s contribution. Some relevant differential relationships obtained in Piola (Memoria intorno alle equazioni fondamentali del movimento di corpi qualsivogliono considerati secondo la naturale loro forma e costituzione, 1846) are carefully discussed, as they are still too often ignored in the continuum mechanics literature and can be considered the starting point of Levi-Civita’s theory of connection for Riemannian manifolds

In this paper the relaxed micromorphic model proposed in [49,26] has been used to study wave propagation in unbounded continua with microstructure. By studying dispersion relations for the considered relaxed medium, we are able to disclose precise frequency ranges (band-gaps) for which propagation of waves cannot occur. These dispersion relations are strongly nonlinear so giving rise to a macroscopic dispersive behavior of the considered medium. We prove that the presence of band-gaps is related to a unique elastic coefficient, the socalled Cosserat couple modulus µc, which is also responsible for the loss of symmetry of the Cauchy force stress tensor. This parameter can be seen as the trigger of a bifurcation phenomenon since the fact of slightly changing its value around a given threshold drastically changes the observed response of the material with respect to wave propagation. We finally show that band-gaps cannot be accounted for by classical micromorphic models as well as by Cosserat and second gradient ones. The potential fields of application of the proposed relaxed model are manifold, above all for what concerns the conception of new engineering materials to be used for vibration control and stealth technology.

In this paper, we give a review of the state of the art in the study of mechanical metamaterials. The very attractive property of having a microstructure capable of determining exotic and specifically tailored macroscopic behaviour makes the study of metamaterials a field that is actually in expansion, from both a theoretical and a technological point of view. This work is divided into two sections, describing the phenomenological and theoretical aspects of metamaterials. We first give an overview of some existing metamaterials, such as pentamode materials, auxetic materials, materials with negative mechanical constitutive coefficients and materials with enhanced mechanical properties. We also focus on some emerging areas, such as origami. Then, we present some theoretical studies in the field of mechanical metamaterials, such as those related to first- and second-gradient theories.

Pantographic metamaterials: an example of mathematically driven design and of its technological challenges Abstract In this paper, we account for the research efforts that have been started, for some among us, already since 2003, and aimed to the design of a class of exotic architectured, optimized (meta) materials. At the first stage of these efforts, as it often happens, the research was based on the results of mathematical investiga-tions. The problem to be solved was stated as follows: determine the material (micro)structure governed by those equations that specify a desired behavior. Addressing this problem has led to the synthesis of second gradient materials. In the second stage, it has been necessary to develop numerical integration schemes andDipartimento di Ingegneria Strutturale e Geotecnica, Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza.", Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy E-mail: barchiesiemilio@gmail.com the corresponding codes for solving, in physically relevant cases, the chosen equations. Finally, it has been necessary to physically construct the theoretically synthesized microstructures. This has been possible by means of the recent developments in rapid prototyping technologies, which allow for the fabrication of some complex (micro)structures considered, up to now, to be simply some mathematical dreams. We show here a panorama of the results of our efforts (1) in designing pantographic metamaterials, (2) technology of rapid prototyping, and (3) in the mechanical testing of many real prototypes. Among the key findings that have been obtained, there are the following ones: pantographic metamaterials (1) undergo very large deformations while remaining in the elastic regime, (2) are very tough in resisting to damage phenomena, (3) exhibit robust macroscopic mechanical behavior with respect to minor changes in their microstructure and micromechanical properties, (4) have superior strength to weight ratio, (5) have predictable damage behavior, and (6) possess physical properties that are critically dictated by their geometry at the microlevel.

Click here to access/download;Manuscript;Advances in Pantographic Structures.pdf Click here to view linked References Francesco dell'Isola et al.

In this paper we consider linear pantographic sheets, which in their natural configuration are constituted by two orthogonal arrays of straight fibers interconnected by internal pivots. We introduce a continuous model by means of a micro-macro identification procedure based on the asymptotic homogenization method of discrete media. The rescaling of the mechanical properties and of the deformation measures is calibrated in order to comply with the specific kinematics imposed by the quasi-inextensibility of the fibers together with the large pantographic deformability. The obtained high-order continuum model shows interesting and exotic features related to its extreme anisotropy and also to the subcoercivity of its deformation energy. Some initial numerical simulations are presented, showing that the model can account for experimental uncommon phenomena occurring in pantographic sheets. The paper focuses on the precise analysis and the understanding of the effective behavior based on a well-calibration of the extension and bending phenomena arising at the local scale. In an upcoming work, the analysis will be extended to oblique arrays, some analytical solutions to proposed equations and some further applications.

We study well-posedness for the relaxed linear elastic micromorphic continuum model with symmetric Cauchy force-stresses and curvature contribution depending only on the micro-dislocation tensor. In contrast to classical micromorphic models our free energy is not uniformly pointwise positive definite in the control of the independent constitutive variables. Another interesting feature concerns the prescription of boundary values for the micro-distortion field: only tangential traces may be determined which are weaker than the usual strong anchoring boundary condition. There, decisive use is made of new coercive inequalities recently proved by Neff, Pauly and Witsch and by Bauer, Neff, Pauly and Starke. The new relaxed micromorphic formulation can be related to dislocation dynamics, gradient plasticity and seismic processes of earthquakes.