Multifunctional Combinatorial Metamaterials

We introduce a novel class of combinatorial metamaterials that are multifunctional. We first define a combinatorial design space and find a rich phenomenology, ranging from disordered, to periodic and quasicrystalline tilings, who can host multiple yet a sub-extensive number of soft deformation modes. We then demonstrate the multifunctional nature of such metamaterials using both boundary textures and viscoelasticity. In particular, we realize a metamaterial that has a negative (positive) Poisson’s ratio for low (high) compression rate. Their ability our metamaterials to host multiple mechanical responses makes them an early example of multi-functional matter, thus paving the way for robust and adaptable devices.