Int. J. Extrem. Manuf. 8 (2026) 012008   (41pp)

Keywords: Smart materials, Environmental   degradation, Microstructural analysis

Snap-through instability-based mechanical   metamaterials (SIMMs) with bistability, multistability, negative stiffness,   or excellent energy absorption and dissipation performance play an important   role in various advanced functional applications. They can serve as energy absorbers,   energy dampers, or mechanical memory and logic computing devices, while also providing   amplified force output and faster response time in flexible robots, or   implementing sensing functions combined with piezoelectric or triboelectric   electricity. However, thus far, research on SIMMs that have non-fixed   boundary constraints, proactive responsiveness, multi-physical field   cross-coupling, and deep information processing capabilities is still facing significant   challenges, potentially hindering the development and cross-field   comprehensive applications of truly intelligent SIMMs. Our objective is to   furnish a concise categorization of SIMMs and offer direction for innovative   design and functional implementations. We have emphasized that the non-fixed   boundary constraint will expand the design possibilities, while the use of   stimulus-responsive materials and 4D printing technology will create novel opportunities   for the design of SIMMs. These advancements are expected to achieve   innovative mechanical properties and functions.

Chengbin Yue, Liwu Liu , Yanju Liu,   Jinsong Leng

Mechanical metamaterials based on_snap-through instability structures: classification, applications, and prospects.pdf