Fold Mechanics of Natural and Synthetic Origami Papers
Name
v06bt07a049-detc2013-13553.pdf
Size
1.11 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
9b5bcd8d411b6e80f70c09cd19800ce7
Author(s)
Rao, Abhinav
Tawfick, Sameh
Shlian, Matthew
Hart, Anastasios John
Date Issued
August 2013
Journal
Volume 6B: 37th Mechanisms and Robotics Conference
Publisher
ASME International
Citation
Rao, Abhinav et al. “Fold Mechanics of Natural and Synthetic Origami Papers.” Volume 6B: 37th Mechanisms and Robotics Conference, August 4-7 2013, Portland, Oregon, USA, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, August 2013. © 2013 ASME
Version
Final published version
Abstract
To realize engineered materials and structures via origami methods and other folding construction techniques, fundamental understanding of paper folding mechanics and their dependency on paper micro/nanostructure is needed. Using selected papers commonly used in origami designs, we establish the relationship between the mechanical properties of fibrous paper and their corresponding ability to form and retain simple creases and mountain/valley folds. Using natural fiber paper (abaca), synthetic fiber paper (Tyvek), and a metalfiber laminate paper, we studied how the fold radius depends on the load applied using a controlled rolling apparatus. After folding, we examined the resultant micro- and nanoscale deformation using electron microscopy. In general we found that the fold radius follows a power law, decreasing with the applied rolling force. At a critical strain, each paper exhibits a transition between elastic and plastic behavior, after which the trend asymptotically approaches the minimum fold radius with increased applied force. Finally, we present examples of centimeter-scale two-dimensionally "mountain fold" patterns and relate the folding characteristics observed in these designs to the mechanical properties of the papers in folding. Keywords: Deformation; Fibers; Synthetic fibers; Laminates; Electron microscopy; Metal fibers; Construction; Stress; Mechanical properties; Nanoscale phenomena
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering
Terms of Use
Article is made available in accordance with the publisher's policy and may be subject to US copyright law. Please refer to the publisher's site for terms of use.
Persistent DSpace Link
DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1115/DETC2013-13553
