Harnessing Gravity‐Induced Instability of Soft Materials: Mechanics and Application

• Published in: Advanced functional materials Vol. 34; no. 30
• Main Authors: Lü, Chaofeng, Li, Kecheng, Du, Yangkun, Zhang, Haoran, Liu, Congshan, Zhan, Haifei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-07-2024
• Subjects: Elastic deformation; elastic instabilities; Elastomers; Gels; gravity; Modulus of elasticity; soft materials; Stability; Tissues
• ISSN: 1616-301X; 1616-3028
• DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202314255

This work offers a comprehensive overview of how gravity affects soft materials, with a particular emphasis on gravity‐induced instability. Soft materials, including biological tissues, elastomers, and gels, are characterized by low elastic moduli and the ability to undergo significant deformations. These large deformations can lead to instabilities and the emergence of distinctive surface patterns when even small perturbations are introduced. An in‐depth understanding of these gravity‐induced instabilities in soft materials is of paramount importance for both fundamental scientific research and practical applications across diverse domains. The underlying mechanisms governing these instabilities are delved in and elucidate the techniques employed to study and manipulate them. Further, the gravity‐induced wrinkling and the Rayleigh‐Taylor (RT) instability in soft materials are zoomed in, highlighting how altered gravity environments impact natural and synthetic systems. Lastly, current and potential applications are underscored where gravity‐induced instabilities are already making an impact or may hold promise in the near future. In sum, the exploration of gravity‐induced instabilities in soft materials paves the way for innovative applications and advancements in a wide range of fields.
This article investigates the effects of gravity on soft materials. It unveils the mechanisms behind gravity‐induced instability, with a focus on their significance in both natural and synthetic systems for various gravity scenarios. The paper also highlights practical and potential applications where gravity‐induced instabilities are already making an impact or may hold promise in the near future.