Origami describes rules for creating folded structures from patterns on a flat sheet, but does not prescribe how patterns can be designed to fit target shapes. Here, starting from the simplest periodic origami pattern that yields one-degree-of-freedom collapsible structures-we show that scale-independent elementary geometric constructions and constrained optimization algorithms can be used to determine spatially modulated patterns that yield approximations to given surfaces of constant or varying curvature. Paper models confirm the feasibility of our calculations. We also assess the difficulty of realizing these geometric structures by quantifying the energetic barrier that separates the metastable flat and folded states. Moreover, we characterize the trade-off between the accuracy to which the pattern conforms to the target surface, and the effort associated with creating finer folds. Our approach enables the tailoring of origami patterns to drape complex surfaces independent of absolute scale, as well as the quantification of the energetic and material cost of doing so.

Programming curvature using origami tessellations

This paper studies the nonlinear bending behavior of a novel class of multi-layer polymer nanocomposite beams reinforced with graphene platelets (GPLs) that are non-uniformly distributed along the thickness direction. Nonlinear governing equation is established based on Timoshenko beam theory and von Karman nonlinear strain-displacement relationship. The effective Young's modulus of the nanocomposites is determined by modified Halpin-Tsai micromechanics model. Ritz method is employed to reduce the governing differential equation into an algebraic system from which the static bending solutions can be obtained. A comprehensive parametric study is then conducted, with a particular focus on the influences of distribution pattern, weight fraction, geometry and size of GPLs together with the total number of layers on the linear and nonlinear bending performances of the beams. Numerical results demonstrate the significantly improved bending performance through the addition of a very small amount of GPLs into polymer matrix as reinforcements. It is found that dispersing more GPLs that are in square shape with fewer single graphene layers near the top and bottom surfaces of the beam is the most effective way to reduce bending deflections. Beams with a higher weight fraction of GPLs that are symmetrically distributed in such a way are also less sensitive to the nonlinear deformation.

Nonlinear bending of polymer nanocomposite beams reinforced with non-uniformly distributed graphene platelets (GPLs)

Functionally graded graphene reinforced composite structures: a review

From flat sheets to curved geometries: Origami and kirigami approaches

Dynamic compressive behaviour of cellular materials: A review of phenomenon, mechanism and modelling

Experimental and numerical study on the low-velocity impact behavior of foam-core sandwich panels

Experimental and numerical study on the mechanical response of Nomex honeycomb core under transverse loading

This paper investigates the large amplitude vibration behavior of a shear deformable FGM cylindrical panel resting on elastic foundations in thermal environments. Two kinds of micromechanics models, namely, Voigt model and Mori–Tanaka model, are considered. The motion equations are based on a higher order shear deformation shell theory that includes shell panel-foundation interaction. The thermal effects are also included and the material properties of FGMs are assumed to be temperature-dependent. The equations of motion are solved by a two step perturbation technique to determine the nonlinear frequencies of the FGM cylindrical panel. Detailed parametric studies are carried out to investigate effects of volume fraction index, temperature variation, panel curvature ratio, foundation stiffness and in-plane boundary conditions on nonlinear vibration behaviors of FGM cylindrical panels. The results confirm that in most cases Voigt model and Mori–Tanaka model have the same accuracy for predicting the vibration characteristics of FGM cylindrical panels.

Nonlinear vibration of shear deformable FGM cylindrical panels resting on elastic foundations in thermal environments

Peridynamic analytical method for progressive damage in notched composite laminates

Present investigation deals with the buckling and postbuckling behavior of a sandwich plate with a homogeneous core and graphene-reinforced composite (GRC) face sheets resting on an elastic foundation in thermal environments. The material properties of GRC face sheets are assumed to be piece-wise functionally graded by changing the volume fraction of graphene in the thickness direction. The material properties of both the homogeneous core layer and the GRC face sheets are assumed to be temperature-dependent, and are estimated by the extended Halpin-Tsai micromechanical model. The higher order shear deformation plate theory and the von Karman-type kinematic nonlinearity are used to derive the governing equations which account for the plate-foundation interaction and the thermal effects. The buckling loads and the postbuckling equilibrium paths are obtained by using a two-step perturbation technique. The impacts of the distribution type of reinforcements, core-to-face sheet thickness ratio, plate aspect ratio, temperature variation, foundation stiffness and in-plane boundary conditions on the postbuckling behavior of sandwich plates with functionally graded GRC face sheets are studied in detail.

Hai Wang

Papers

Experimental and numerical study on the low-velocity impact behavior of foam-core sandwich panels

Experimental and numerical study on the mechanical response of Nomex honeycomb core under transverse loading

Nonlinear vibration of shear deformable FGM cylindrical panels resting on elastic foundations in thermal environments

Peridynamic analytical method for progressive damage in notched composite laminates

Postbuckling of sandwich plates with graphene-reinforced composite face sheets in thermal environments