Applications of the Finite Element Method to Designing Composite Metamaterials

Abstract

We outline a fabrication and characterization process for composite materials exhibiting uniaxial anisotropy. Our proof-of-concept sample consists of alternating layers of high-contrast homogeneous dielectrics. We describe a finite element-based cavity measurement method to accurately characterize effects of adhesive loss in these assembled samples. In the latter half of the paper, we introduce a genetic optimization algorithm to design fairly complex composite material textures exhibiting unique field characteristics and dispersion. We conclude by proposing a methodology to design and fabricate metamaterial textures made of commercially available homogeneous ingredients. The automated design process is conjugated by automated fabrication of these designs using advanced material processing techniques such as low temperature co-fired ceramic processing, inkjet material printing, and robo-casting.