Magneto-elastic buckling of a soft cellular solid

Abstract

The results of an experimental investigation into the elastic buckling of a soft cellular solid using magneto-static loading are reported. An electromagnet was used to apply a controlled force to an elastomer with embedded rare earth magnets. The resulting strain was found to induce an elastic buckling above a critical applied field strength. The buckling instability resulted in a rapid rotation of the sample which indicates potential as a fast switching mechanism for soft cellular materials.