Purdue Research Foundation

Scott Hartford

Pablo D Zavattieri

Kristiaan William Hector

A flexible mat system, including a plurality of base platforms, each respective base platform having a first pattern of phase transforming columns and voids extending from a respective flat member, and a plurality of plane-engaging runway platforms, each respective plane-engaging runway platform having a second, reversed pattern of phase transforming columns and voids extending from a respective flat member such that each respective plane-engaging runway platform is lockingly engagable to a respective base platform to yield a landing segment with parallel top and bottom flat members. Each respective base platform is an aluminum/steel composite. Each respective phase transforming column is further comprised of a plurality of stacked operationally connected phase transforming cellular members. Each respective cell further comprises six hexagonally spaced support members defining six hexagonally arrayed sides, with two opposing sides define x-shaped struts extending between adjacent support members. Remaining sides define parallel struts extending between adjacent support members. Each respective phase transforming cellular member can shift from a first stable configuration to a second stable configuration in response to an applied load.

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South Bend, IN, United States of America

Scott Hartford