Prof. Antonio Zippo

University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy



Title of the paper: Influence of Temperature on Metamaterial Structure Dynamics: An Experimental Study


Abstract: This study explores the vibrational behavior of sandwich structures made from metamaterials using experimental methods. The focus is on honeycomb plate structures, with specimens fabricated via 3D printing to incorporate chiral geometries and a negative Poisson’s ratio within their cores. The aim is to evaluate dynamic properties—such as natural frequencies and damping—and how these characteristics vary with temperature. The core layers, constructed from polylactic acid (PLA), were produced using 3D printing. Two distinct core designs were examined to compare their dynamic responses. The experimental procedures include impact hammer tests and sinusoidal excitations. The former are used to identify natural frequencies and mode shapes, while the latter are carried out on a shaking table inside a climate chamber to simulate realistic thermal conditions. Temperature plays a critical role in affecting the elastic and damping properties of the materials, as well as the specific mechanical response of the metamaterial structures. Spacecraft and aircraft experience intense dynamic loads during takeoff, landing, and critical flight conditions, driving the ongoing need for advanced material solutions. Modern flight vehicles increasingly rely on composite materials and sandwich panels—lightweight structures known for their high impact resistance [1], thermal insulation, and cushioning capabilities [2]. Metamaterials, which are artificially engineered to exhibit specific physical properties derived from their unit cell geometry rather than their chemical composition or crystal structure, are gaining significant attention. Integrating metamaterials with composite materials has led to the emergence of a new class of sandwich structures known as composite mechanical metamaterials (CMMs). In this work, we investigate a sandwich plate composed of carbon fiber face sheets and a 3D- printed honeycomb metamaterial core. The core structure is formed by the periodic arrangement of chiral unit cells exhibiting auxetic behavior, characterized by a negative Poisson’s ratio. After fabricating the test specimens, experimental modal analysis is performed using impact hammer tests to determine the structure’s mode shapes, natural frequencies, and damping ratios. Additionally, a series of shaking table tests are conducted within a climate chamber to assess how varying temperature conditions influence the dynamic response of the plate.

Bio: Professor is a mechanical engineer with PhD in "Advanced Mechanics and Vehicle Techniques", he is currently an Associate Professor of Mechanism and Machine Theory, Applied Mechanics and Mechanical Vibration since 1 June 2023 at "Enzo Ferrari" Department of Engineering, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia - UNIMORE.
He has received the following funding for research activities: • FAR2022 - Identification, modelling and analysis of nonlinear EMG signals of pathological tremor - University Research Fund 2022 for financing departmental development plans in the field of research. 27/07/2022 €10,000
• Funding from CONSORZIO FUTURO IN RESEARCH for research on "MODELLING AND EXPERIMENTAL MEASUREMENTS OF NON-LINEAR COMPLEX SYSTEMS AIMED AT THE ACTIVE CONTROL OF ESSENTIAL AND PARKINSONIAN TREMOR" 01/05/2022 €30870
• Project "International Higher Education School in NVH for Industry 4.0 Higher Education school in NVH for Industry 4.0" from 22/11/2021 to 31/12/2023 13750€
• Individual funding of 3000€ for basic research activities REFERRED to ARTICLE 1, PARAGRAPHS 295 AND FOLLOWING OF LAW NO. 232 OF 11 DECEMBER 2016
He has participated in various international, European and national research projects: • 2019 “DiaPro4.0 Diagnostic-Prognostic multi-sensor cost-effective system integrated in mechanical drives of Industry 4.0”, POR-FESR 2014-2020ER
• 2018 “Omnidirectional earthquake isolation system”, Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (New Zealand);
• 2016 "Integrated platform for the design and advanced production of industrial gearboxes - MetAGEAR" (PG/2015/732270) POR-FESR 2014-2020ER
• 2014 “FORTISSIMO, Experiment: HPGA”, FP7 (applications for high performance computing);
• 2013 INDGEAR, FP7-SME (condition monitoring);

He teaches the courses of multibody dynamics in the master's degree course in mechanical engineering (industry 4.0 curriculum), Mechanical Vibration in the master's degree course Advanced Automotive Engineering and Mechanics of the Vehicle in the bachelor’s degree course in vehicle engineering.

His research activities are in experimental tests, modelling and numerical simulations in complex nonlinear dynamics, linear and nonlinear vibration analysis of mechanical systems and nonlinear vibrations of structures and control. His research focused on chaos and nonlinear time series analysis, non-smooth dynamics, diagnostic, prognostic, predictive maintenance and condition monitoring of complex systems, fluid-structure interaction, the effect of thermal gradients and bioengineering. He is part of the Vibration, NVH and Powertrain Laboratory of the Department of Engineering "Enzo Ferrari".




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