Flows in Straws: Viscous Flows in One-Dimensional Metamaterial

We propose to incorporate fluids within multistable metamaterials to tailor a desired dynamic response, dictate the magnitude of rate-dependent dissipation, control the sequence and pattern of phase transition, and more. As a simple example we focus on straws, which are commonly used to transfer fluids and are constructed from a one-dimensional (1D) lattice of bistable elements. We first solve for the dynamics of a single element in the unstable spinodal state, reducing or increasing the pressure locally. Using a long-wave approximation, we then model viscous flow and solid phase change within a 1D lattice of bistable frusta. The model is compared with experiments, showing excellent agreement.