F. Avallone, F. Bosia, Y. Chen, G. Colombo, R. Craster, J.M. De Ponti, N. Fabbiane, M.R. Haberman, M.I. Hussein, W. Hwang, U. Iemma, A. Juhl, M. Kadic, M. Kotsonis, V. Laude, O. Marquet, F. Mery, T. Michelis, M. Nouh, D. Ragni, M. Touboul, M. Wegener, and A.O. Krushynska 

Nat. Commun. (2026); doi:10.1038/s41467-026-70163-2

Abstract:

Understanding and controlling the dynamic interactions between fluid flows and solid materials and structures—a field known as fluid-structure interaction—is central not only to established disciplines such as aerospace and naval engineering, but also to emerging technologies such as energy harvesting, soft robotics, and biomedical devices. In recent years, the advent of metamaterials has provided exciting opportunities to rethink and redesign fluid-structure interactions. The idea of engineering the internal structure of materials that interface with fluid flows opens a new horizon for the precise and effective manipulation and control of coupled fluidic, acoustic, and elastodynamic responses. This review focuses on this relatively unexplored interdisciplinary theme with broad technological significance. Salient potential applications, such as fuel consumption in transport systems, efficiency of renewable energy extraction, noise mitigation, and resilience against structural fatigue, depend on controlling interactions among flow, acoustic, and vibration mechanisms. Flow control, for example, which spans a wealth of regimes such as laminar, transitional, turbulent, and unsteady separated flows, is strongly influenced by fluid-structure interaction. This review surveys and discusses conceptual frameworks that describe the interplay between fluids and elastic solids, with a focus on contemporary and emerging concepts. The paper is organised into three main sections: flow-structure and fluid-phonon interactions, flow and acoustic interactions with metamaterials, and exotic metamaterial concepts with potential impact on fluid-structure interaction. It concludes with perspectives on current challenges and future directions in this rapidly expanding area of research.