Mechanics of Metamaterials with Negative Parameters

Mechanics of Metamaterials with Negative Parameters is a technical monograph devoted to mechanical metamaterials—engineered materials whose internal structure produces unusual effective properties—and especially to those whose behavior includes negative parameters. Written by Teik-Cheng Lim and published in Springer’s Engineering Materials series, the book treats negative behavior not as an isolated curiosity but as a broad design space for advanced materials.

The text introduces negative Poisson’s ratio (auxetic) materials, negative thermal expansion, negative compressibility, negative moisture expansion, and negative stiffness. It also examines sign-switching materials that can alternate between positive and negative characteristics. Together, these topics show how carefully designed microstructures and architectures can lead to mechanical responses that conventional materials do not provide.

What the Monograph Covers

Across its chapters, the book moves from microstructural models to structural and wave mechanics. Major areas include:

• Auxetic microstructures and the analogies that connect different auxetic models
• Thin and thick auxetic plates, including triangular, elliptical, sectorial, rhombic, rectangular, hexagonal, and polygonal examples
• Longitudinal elastic waves in auxetic solids, rods, plates, and slabs
• Elasticity and deflection of auxetic beams
• Auxetic composites with mixed auxeticity and enhanced moduli
• Auxetic membranes and their mechanical response

From Microstructure to Engineering Mechanics

The monograph connects microstructure-level design to larger-scale mechanical behavior. That progression is useful for readers who want to understand how a negative parameter in a material model can influence plate bending, wave propagation, beam deflection, composite stiffness, or membrane deformation. The result is a focused treatment of how negative-parameter mechanics can be used in materials and structures.

Who This Book Is For

According to the author’s preface, this work is suitable as a textbook for an introductory graduate course in mechanical metamaterials with negative properties. It is also intended as a reference for researchers and practicing engineers in academia and industry. Readers with a background in solid mechanics, materials science, or mechanical engineering will be best prepared for the technical derivations and advanced topics.

A Distinctive Mechanical Focus

Most metamaterials monographs concentrate on electromagnetic behavior. This volume instead gives sustained attention to mechanical aspects, making it a useful resource for those studying auxetic materials, negative-parameter design, and the mechanics of architected materials.

For advanced students and professionals who need a rigorous, mechanics-centered introduction to negative-parameter metamaterials, this monograph offers a clear path into the subject.