Mechanical properties of jammed elastogranular columns

Composite materials have unique properties due to the creative assemblies of their constituents. A mixture of grains and rods can enable the formation of stable structures via granular jamming. Understanding how these constituents govern the mechanical properties of the jammed structures is crucial for devising relevant engineering designs. Here, we examine freestanding columns composed of rocks and strings, and propose a simple physical model to explain the resulting structure’s mechanical behavior. The results indicate that exterior fiber mainly contributes to stiffness, while interior fiber increases the resilience and toughness of the structures. By assembling the grains and rods in a programmable way, structures with robust mechanical properties can be formed. The results provide guidelines that allow the design of jammed elastogranular structures with desired mechanical properties.