Development of Origami-Inspired Geometric Models for Structural Applications
Author:
Maddie Sanders ’23Co-Authors:
Faculty Mentor(s):
Kelly Salyards, Civil and Environmental EngineeringFunding Source:
Presidential FellowshipAbstract
Determining the geometric and mechanical properties of origami-inspired folded systems for engineering applications is beneficial to identify and take advantage of their unique properties. Due to the construction of origami with stiff peaks and a folded nature, origami-inspired systems provide a rigid structure that is also compressible and deployable. These characteristics have been beneficial in various engineering fields, such as with solar power arrays, medical stents, and temporary shelters. Through this research, the Japanese Miura-Ori origami pattern has been determined to best align with structural engineering applications. Six versions of the Miura-Ori fold with varying angles and plate thicknesses were designed to enable 3D printing. The research process began with an exploration of the Miura-Ori pattern through paper and cardboard folded models. Through careful analysis, calculations were made to determine the geometry for models of varying angles and accounting for element thickness. Numerous extruding and layout techniques, as well as modeling software, were used to produce optimum model results with reduced structural weaknesses. Because of the uniquely thin elements and complex geometry of the Miura-Ori fold, the 3D printer properties were critical to avoid printing errors. After countless revisions, the Miura-Ori inspired models were successfully designed and 3D printed. Preliminary structural analysis was conducted to better understand plate buckling in SAP2000, a commercially available structural analysis program. The geometric modeling and 3D printing that was completed is the foundation of the current experimental testing and future computational analysis that will be used for verification of the experimental results.