Fluid-Actuated Nano-Micro-Macro Structure Morphing Enables Smart Multispectrum Compatible Stealth.

Abstract

Modern detection technology has driven camouflage technology toward multispectral compatibility and dynamic regulation. However, developing such stealth technologies is challenging due to different frequency-band principles. Here, this work proposes a design concept for a fluid-actuated multispectral compatible smart stealth device that employs a deformable mechanochromic layer/elastomer with a channeled dielectric layer. After fluid actuation, the deformable elastomer layer transmits mechanical strain to the mechanochromic layer, thereby altering the visible reflectance wavelengths in [568, 699] nm. Concurrently, the pumped-in liquid reconfigures the spatial structure parameter to alter microwave resonance and diffraction for dynamic radar absorption, enabling dynamic radar absorption with significant broadband absorption at [8.16, 18.0] GHz. Using the heat-absorption property also achieves dynamic infrared stealth, shown by a Δ<i>T</i> ≈ 16.5 °C temperature difference. Additionally, the device exhibits a rapid response time (∼1 s), excellent cycling performance (100 cycles), and programmability (10 codes), offering a new stealth strategy.