The mechanics of non-Euclidean plates

Non-Euclidean plates are plates (“stacks” of identical surfaces) whose two-dimensional intrinsic geometry is not Euclidean, i.e. cannot be realized in a flat configuration. They can be generated via different mechanisms, such as plastic deformation, natural growth or differential swelling. In recent years there has been a concurrent theoretical and experimental progress in describing and fabricating non-Euclidean plates (NEP). In particular, an effective plate theory was derived and experimental methods for a controlled fabrication of responsive NEP were developed. In this paper we review theoretical and experimental works that focus on shape selection in NEP and provide an overview of this new field. We made an effort to focus on the governing principles, rather than on details and to relate the main observations to known mechanical behavior of ordinary plates. We also point out to open questions in the field and to its applicative potential.