Tension Activated Kirigami Structures for Interlayer Use in Circular Construction Applications
Name
bigler-thbigler-sb-meche-2025-thesis.pdf
Description
Thesis PDF
Size
12.86 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
356a944792aa241272c18577b9d291a2
Author(s)
Bigler, Thomas
Advisor(s)
Becker, Kaitlyn P.
Date Issued
May 2025
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Motivated by the use of fully circular materials and improving sustainability, this thesis investigates the use of tension-activated kirigami as an architected material, for which mechanical properties are determined by their designed structure (geometry) rather than the bulk material itself. These architected materials can be used as a dry replacement for adhesives in construction with glass masonry units, enabling reclaimability and recyclability of both the interlayer material and glass masonry unit. The kirigami design and material selection allow for the customization of architected-material properties for best compatibility with the glass units. The research has involved both analytical/mathematical modeling for early material and design selection and an experimental process to develop an empirical database. Experimentation on different materials, designs, aspect ratios, etc. has provided data to begin extrapolating trends and behaviors of the architected material. These data will allow for design decisions and material selections based on the functional requirements of a specific structure or application.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
Terms of Use
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)
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