Strain isolation: A simple mechanism for understanding and detecting structures of zero Poisson's ratio

There exist several honeycomb networks exhibiting zero Poisson's ratio (ZPR). Applications of these networks can be found in different fields. The ZPR properties of these structures have been mechanically modeled and tested. However, the underlying mechanism driving the ZPR behavior has not been paid much attention. The present work focuses on the deformation mechanism of the ZPR networks. Through the discussion and comparison of the deformation process of the ZPR, auxetic and common honeycomb networks, the strain-isolation mechanism is proposed to explain the ZPR behavior. Then, according to this mechanism, the reversed semi-re-entrant (RSRE) honeycomb is created. With experimental measurements and finite-element analysis (FEA), the ZPR properties of the RSRE can be proven. The strain-isolation mechanism can not only explain the ZPR behavior but also be used in the design of new ZPR honeycomb networks. 3D ZPR structures are also derived from the 2D honeycomb networks. Their Poisson's ratios in 3D space are also discussed based on FEA results. (C) 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim