Computational Origami

Computational origami. 

We have developed computational techniques to simulate the shape transformation of origami-based mechanisms with multiple degrees of freedom and bifurcation paths. A specific problem that we have tackled is the morphing of origami mechanisms from one known configuration to another known configuration. This problem has multiple solutions, and finding the motion path that leads to the desired configuration involves a choice between the options available at each incremental step. Unilateral constraints are activated in the case of contact between different elements.  This simulation provides full kinematic information on the motion path, such as the variation of the fold angles and distances between joints, from which actuation strategies to control the shape of the origami mechanism can be developed. The geometric configurations provided by this kinematic simulation can be used for electromagnetic simulations of a active antennas built on the origami structure.

We are using this technique to conduct a full kinematic study of the new origami pattern.