Magnetic control of metafluids for fluid-like applications of metamaterials

Metamaterials are structures composed of repeating unit-cells which enable macro-scale properties not found in nature. Since metamaterials are typically solid structures with predetermined interconnections, it is challenging to leverage their unique properties for many critical applications that require fluid-like behavior, such as heat engines or cooling cycles. Recent research suggested overcoming this limitation by creating a ‘ mechanical metafluid ’, which is a lubricated suspension of multistable unit-cells. However, realization of this concept necessitates the ability to control both velocity and state of the metafluid. Here, we propose the use of time-varying magnetic fields as a mechanism to manipulate metafluids. We focus on a lattice of magnetic multistable capsules enclosing gas and suspended within a liquid-filled tube. We derive the governing equations and examine one-dimensional fluid mechanics of the metafluid, both theoretically and experimentally, at the viscous limit under magnetic actuation. By applying time-varying magnetic fields, we control both the local compression and expansion of the capsules, as well as the entire flow field. Our theoretical results are compared with experimental data, showing good agreement. This work paves the way for the utilization of mechanical metamaterials to applications that require fluid-like behavior, thus extending the scope of metamaterial applications.