A computational tool for the design of rigid origami structures based on a lumped damage model

Abstract

As it is well known, origami structures have broad application prospects in aerospace, medical, architectural, robotics, material science, and other engineering fields. However, the comprehension and modeling of the collapse process of this kind of structure are still in the process of development. This paper investigates one specific failure mode: ultra-low cycle fatigue under large displacements. Origami structures are represented as sets of elastic panels with small strains connected by inelastic (plastic-damaged) hinge lines with large rotations. A novel experimental study of the behavior of the Waterbomb origami structure subjected to cyclic loadings with constant amplitudes is first presented. Then, a new model of damage evolution for origami structures is proposed. Finally, parametric studies are described on the influence of several design parameters (initial folding height, number of sides of regular polygons, and length ratio) on structural collapse. The computational tools proposed in this paper can then be used for the optimum design of origami structures and the structural assessment during the two phases of loading: first, the deployment stage, and then service loads on the unfolded solid.