In this study, we propose self-triggered thermomechanical metamaterials (ST-MM) by applying thermomechanical materials in mechanical metamaterials designed with asymmetric structures (i.e., microstructural hexagons and chiral legs). The thermomechanical metamaterials are observed with programmable mechanical response under thermal excitations, which are used in mechanical metamaterials to obtain chiral tubes with negative Poisson's ratio and microgrippers with temperature-induced grabbing response. Theoretical and numerical models are developed to analyze the thermomechanical response of the ST-MM from the material and structural perspectives. Finally, we envision advanced applications of the ST-MM as chiral stents and thermoresponsive microgrippers with maximum grabbing force of approximately 101.7 N. The emerging ST-MM provide a promising direction for the design and perception of smart mechanical metamaterials.
Keywords: mechanical metamaterials; self-triggered response; thermal excitations; thermomechanical materials.