Shape-morphing architected sheets with non-periodic cut patterns

TL;DR

This paper explores how non-periodic cut patterns in elastic sheets enable controlled out-of-plane shape morphing, including buckling into 3D forms, with potential for scalable fabrication of curved structures.

Contribution

It introduces non-periodic cut patterns as a means to induce shape morphing in elastic sheets, extending the concept to elastic-plastic materials for shape retention.

Findings

Non-periodic patterns induce buckling into 3D shapes.

Experimental and analytical methods confirm the role of geometric frustration.

Elastic-plastic extension allows shape retention.

Abstract

We investigate the out-of-plane shape morphing capability of single-material elastic sheets with architected cut patterns that result in arrays of tiles connected by flexible hinges. We demonstrate that a non-periodic cut pattern can cause a sheet to buckle into three-dimensional shapes, such as domes or patterns of wrinkles, when pulled at specific boundary points. These global buckling modes are observed in experiments and rationalized by an in-plane kinematic analysis that highlights the role of the geometric frustration arising from non-periodicity. The study focuses on elastic sheets, and is later extended to elastic-plastic materials to achieve shape retention. Our work illustrates a scalable route towards the fabrication of three-dimensional objects with nonzero Gaussian curvature from initially-flat sheets.