Nonlinear Multi-modal Metamaterial Structure (NoMMS)

The US DHA seeks a preventive technology to reduce the risk of brain injury from a blast that is portable, light-weight and has a low footprint without additional burden/impedance to Warfighter operations/duties and comfort. IHIO Innovations Corporation (IIC) proposes to develop a new Nonlinear Multi-modal Metamaterial Structure (NoMMS) based on an innovative hybrid metamaterial structure to deflect shockwaves outward, absorb energy using a structural and material interaction, and dissipate remaining energy as heat inside the metamaterials. The innovation in the NOMMS metamaterial structure significantly mitigates the harmful impact of blast shocks in a wearable small formfactor without any active elements. The NOMMS will designed to have shockwave propagation blocked by changing energy transfer characteristics. We will design the NOMMS to be worn as a patch, which will result in an easy, maintenance-free, light-weight and non-invasive solution. In Phase I, IIC will demonstrate its feasibility by both performing in simulation and testing with Phase I prototype. In Phase II, IIC we will further advance the NOMMS design and test it on a biological organism using animal models at WRAIR.