Symmetry/Asymmetry in Mechanics of Materials

A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994). This special issue belongs to the section "Engineering and Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 1153

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Design, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
Interests: material instabilities; strength of materials; damage and fracture mechanisms; strain rates; mechanics-based research in emerging areas such as 3D printing; weaving; biomaterials; ceramics; composites; shape-memory alloys; symmetry system; nonlinear dynamics
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Guest Editor
School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China
Interests: structural dynamic characteristics and stability; symmetry system; nonlinear dynamics; bifurcation and chaos; functional material design and optimization; acoustic–vibration coupling

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Symmetry and asymmetry as they relate to the mechanics of various materials are ubiquitous in nature and technology. They represent a class of emerging lightweight and/or energy materials referred to as architected because their unique properties or mechanics depend on their internal structure. Examples of advanced materials include composites, metals, polymers, biomaterials, functional materials, metamaterials, porous materials, and so on. The mechanics of materials associated with elasticity, plasticity, fatigue failure, dynamic response and nonlinear behaviours in terms of various structures are vital to current and future industries. Here, different modes of symmetry and asymmetry can occur; exploiting their advantages has always been a focus of engineering applications. As a result, research concerning the symmetry and asymmetry analysis of various materials and systems is of crucial importance for academics and industry professionals alike for developing and service enhancing performances and applications.

This Special Issue aims to explore symmetry and asymmetry in materials mechanics to provide a theoretical basis for improved design and manufacture. Original research studies and review articles related to the engineering applications of emerging materials from a symmetry and asymmetry perspective are encouraged.

Prof. Dr. Xin Xue
Dr. Xiaochao Chen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • symmetric and asymmetric characteristics
  • materials: composites, metals, polymers, biomaterials, functional materials, meta-materials, porous materials, etc.
  • methodologies: mechanical tests, microstructure observation, digital image correlation, numerical modelling, constitutive modelling, etc.
  • mechanics: dynamic behaviour, elastic–plastic deformation, damping ability, shock and vibration, etc.

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 10448 KiB  
Article
Experimental Investigation into the Mechanical Performance of Foam-Filled 3D-Kagome Lattice Sandwich Panels
by Zhangbin Wu, Qiuyu Li, Chao Chai, Mao Chen, Zi Ye, Yunzhe Qiu, Canhui Li and Fuqiang Lai
Symmetry 2025, 17(4), 571; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17040571 - 9 Apr 2025
Viewed by 201
Abstract
3D-Kagome lattice sandwich panels are mainly composed of upper and lower panels and a series of symmetrically and periodically arranged lattices, known for their excellent high specific stiffness, high specific strength, and energy absorption capacity. The inherent geometrical symmetry of the 3D-Kagome lattice [...] Read more.
3D-Kagome lattice sandwich panels are mainly composed of upper and lower panels and a series of symmetrically and periodically arranged lattices, known for their excellent high specific stiffness, high specific strength, and energy absorption capacity. The inherent geometrical symmetry of the 3D-Kagome lattice plays a crucial role in achieving superior mechanical stability and load distribution efficiency. This structural symmetry enhances the uniformity of stress distribution, making it highly suitable for automotive vibration suppression, such as battery protection for electric vehicles. In this study, a polyurethane foam-filled, symmetry-enhanced 3D-Kagome sandwich panel is designed following an optimization of the lattice structure. A novel fabrication method combining precision wire-cutting, interlocking core assembly, and in situ foam filling is employed to ensure a high degree of integration and manufacturability of the composite structure. Its mechanical properties and energy absorption characteristics are systematically evaluated through a series of experimental tests, including quasi-static compression, three-point bending, and low-speed impact. The study analyzes the effects of core height on the structural stiffness, strength, and energy absorption capacity under varying loads, elucidating the failure mechanisms inherent to the symmetrical lattice sandwich configurations. The results show that the foam-filled sandwich panels exhibit significant improvements in mechanical performance compared to the unfilled ones. Specifically, the panels with core heights of 15 mm, 20 mm, and 25 mm demonstrate increases in bending stiffness of 47.3%, 53.5%, and 51.3%, respectively, along with corresponding increases in bending strength of 45.5%, 53.1%, and 50.9%. The experimental findings provide a fundamental understanding of foam-filled lattice sandwich structures, offering insights into their structural optimization for lightweight energy-absorbing applications. This study establishes a foundation for the development of advanced crash-resistant materials for automotive, aerospace, and protective engineering applications. This work highlights the structural advantages and crashworthiness potential of foam-filled Kagome sandwich panels, providing a promising foundation for their application in electric vehicle battery enclosures, aerospace impact shields, and advanced protective systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry/Asymmetry in Mechanics of Materials)
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17 pages, 5774 KiB  
Article
Structural Design and Vibro-Mechanical Characterization Analysis of Variable Cross-Sectional Metal Rubber Isolator
by Jianchao Liu, Xinzhe Liu, Hanbin Wang, Zixiong Ye and Xin Xue
Symmetry 2025, 17(3), 382; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17030382 - 3 Mar 2025
Viewed by 456
Abstract
Satellites experience complex vibrational environments during their launch and operation, potentially leading to structural failures and equipment damage. This work aimed to mitigate this issue by designing a variable cross-sectional metal rubber isolator (VCMRI), which was fully constructed from metal and featured a [...] Read more.
Satellites experience complex vibrational environments during their launch and operation, potentially leading to structural failures and equipment damage. This work aimed to mitigate this issue by designing a variable cross-sectional metal rubber isolator (VCMRI), which was fully constructed from metal and featured a symmetric structure. Initially, a finite element model of the VCMRI was developed, incorporating symmetric boundary conditions and employing the Bergström–Boyce model to define variable cross-sectional metal rubber (VCMR) parameters. Subsequently, sinusoidal sweep tests were performed to investigate how variations in VCMR density, spring stiffness, and exc itation deflection angle affect the peak acceleration response and natural frequency of the VCMRI. Finally, simulation analyses were conducted and insertion loss was derived from the results to assess the vibration isolation performance of the VCMRI. The results indicate that the finite element model accurately captures the dynamic behavior of the VCMRI with minimal error. In addition, the VCMRI demonstrates robust vibration isolation performance by effectively integrating the influences of VCMR density, spring stiffness, and excitation angle, achieving insertion losses of up to 19.2 dB across a wide frequency range. It provides robust theoretical support for the design and performance optimization of isolation systems, with potential positive impacts on relevant engineering applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Symmetry/Asymmetry in Mechanics of Materials)
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