Simulation Studies on Origami Inspired Compact Modular Structures for Future Space, Flight and Structural Applications

Abstract

Origami is the Japanese art or process of folding squares of paper into representational shapes. Origami involves arrangement of patterns of creases in order to create shapes, ultimately constructing complex structures. Origami traditionally makes use of paper which is able to fold and hold creases when bent. However, with the use of different materials such as thin plastic membranes or complex engineered films, the technique of origami can be applied such that large structures (such as in furniture, clothing, aerospace, biology, etc) are condensed through folding patterns and mechanisms, enabling a smaller and efficient footprint. A mechanism is a combination of rigid bodies or links shaped and connected so that they move relative to each other for the purpose of transferring and transforming motion or forces from input, via and actuator, to the output. It is said that energy is conserved between the input and output (neglecting friction losses), the output force may be much larger than the input force, but the output displacement is much smaller than the input displacement. Mechanisms such as those for the expansion of solar panels in space vehicle applications are folded and compacted using the technique of origami applied to materials of finite thickness, unlike materials