NWO-Funded META-SMA project on shape memory metamaterials

Prof. Dr. Francesco Maresca, researcher at the Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen (ENTEG), will lead a €0.4M work package within the newly funded META-SMA project under the Dutch Research Council (NWO) programme. This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Defence, focuses on developing smart, lightweight, and reusable materials capable of protecting people and equipment from shocks and vibrations.

META-SMA: revolutionizing shock absorption
META-SMA will develop smart materials that can protect people and equipment from shocks and vibrations while staying lightweight and reusable. The project combines 3D-printed structures with shape memory alloys — metals that can bend or buckle under impact and return to their original shape. By tuning both the material and its geometry, META-SMA creates lightweight components that absorb energy efficiently without permanent damage. These materials will enable next-generation shock and vibration mounts for drones, vehicles, and high-tech and heavy lifting equipment, helping strengthen both national defence and civil technologies capabilities.
Within the META-SMA project on Shape Memory Metamaterials, Maresca will lead a project focusing on micromechanics/phase field modelling of pseudoelasticity and shape memory effect in NiTi shape memory alloys, informed by atomistic simulations of twinning. This model will inform topology optimization to find new shape memory metamaterial designs.

For more information, visit the NWO announcement or contact Francesco Maresca at f.maresca@rug.nl.