Scientists have discovered an unusual property in rice grains that allowed them to create a new smart material. Packed rice weakens when compressed rapidly but remains stronger under slow pressure. This phenomenon, known as rate softening, is uncommon in most materials.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham led an international team. They found that friction between individual rice grains decreases sharply when forces are applied quickly. This reduces the internal force networks that support the load.
The team used this characteristic to develop a metamaterial. This engineered composite structure combines rice-based granular units with materials like sand. Sand strengthens when subjected to rapid loading.
This new granular metamaterial can respond differently to slow movements and sudden impacts. It can bend, buckle, or stiffen without electronic controls or sensors. This adaptability is determined by the physics of the material itself.
Potential applications for this speed-sensitive metamaterial include soft robotics. These robots could be lighter, safer, and more adaptable for tasks requiring human interaction or delicate operations. The material could also be used in protective equipment. It could absorb energy or deform in a controlled way during collisions, reducing injury risk.
These responses occur automatically, without external power or sensors. The material adapts to changing conditions through its inherent mechanical properties.
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