A Computational Design and Evaluation Tool for 3D Structures with Planar Surfaces

TL;DR

This paper introduces a fast, cost-effective computational tool for designing and evaluating 3D structures with planar surfaces, accommodating complex conditions and aiding both experts and non-experts.

Contribution

The authors developed a novel computational design tool that efficiently evaluates 3D structures with planar surfaces under various conditions, improving upon existing methods.

Findings

Efficient evaluation of complex boundary and loading conditions.

Successful application to glass tables, wood bookcases, and origami grippers.

Enables rapid iterative design adjustments.

Abstract

Three dimensional (3D) structures composed of planar surfaces can be build out of accessible materials using easier fabrication technique with shorter fabrication time. To better design 3D structures with planar surfaces, realistic models are required to understand and evaluate mechanical behaviors. Existing design tools are either effort-consuming (e.g. finite element analysis) or bounded by assumptions (e.g. numerical solutions). In this project, We have built a computational design tool that is (1) capable of rapidly and inexpensively evaluating planar surfaces in 3D structures, with sufficient computational efficiency and accuracy; (2) applicable to complex boundary conditions and loading conditions, both isotropic materials and orthotropic materials; and (3) suitable for rapid accommodation when design parameters need to be adjusted. We demonstrate the efficiency and necessity of this design tool by evaluating a glass table as well as a wood bookcase, and iteratively designing an origami gripper to satisfy performance requirements. This design tool gives non-expert users as well as engineers a simple and effective modus operandi in structural design.