A critical review on the application of machine learning in supporting auxetic metamaterial design

Abstract The progress of machine learning (ML) in the past years has opened up new opportunities to the design of auxetic metamaterials. However, successful implementation of ML algorithms remains challenging, particularly for complex problems such as domain performance prediction and inverse design. In this paper, we first reviewed classic auxetic designs and summarized their variants in different applications. The enormous variant design space leads to challenges using traditional design or topology optimization. Therefore, we also investigated how ML techniques can help address design challenges of auxetic metamaterials and when researchers should deploy them. The theories behind the techniques are explained, along with practical application examples from the analyzed literature. The advantages and limitations of different ML algorithms are discussed and trends in the field are highlighted. Finally, two practical problems of ML-aided design, design scales and data collection are discussed.