Negative linear compressibility of hexagonal honeycombs and related systems

Materials exhibiting negative linear compressibility display the very unusual and unexpected property of expanding in at least one direction when placed under compressive hydrostatic stress. Here, it is shown that this property may be manifested by systems having high positive Poisson’s ratios (non-auxetic), including non re-entrant hexagonal honeycombs and wine-rack models where deformation primarily involves changes in the angles between the ribs of the structures.

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► Negative compressibility is a very rare and unexpected mechanical property.
► We model the compressibility properties of hexagonal honeycombs and related structures.
► Required conditions for negative compressibility from such structures are identified.
► Proposed model can explain negative compressibility properties in existing materials.
► Model can be used as blueprint for new negative compressibility materials.