Numerical studies on origami dielectric elastomer actuator using Kresling pattern

Abstract

Folding sheet materials into cylindrical structures using an origami-based approach allows the sheet materials to be densely packed within a confined space that can be deployed when needed. Kresling pattern, which is a cylindrical origami pattern consisting of identical triangular panels with cyclic symmetry, functions under the spontaneous buckling of a thin cylindrical shell under torsional loading. The incorporation of smart materials, such as electroactive polymers, in origami structures can allow them to actively fold using electrical stimuli. In this study, finite element analysis (FEA) is performed in a single cell of Kresling pattern as well as the continuous Kresling pattern-based origami structure. Furthermore, different placements of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) implemented within the origami structure are studied to identify the performance. The objective of this study is to validate the effectiveness of DEAs as a method to actively fold the origami structure, to deform and return to its initial state, and to investigate the geometric parameters on the folding structure incorporated with DEAs. Equivalent mechanical pressure and stress are used as loads in the FEA to simulate the electric actuation performed by the DEAs. By thorough FEA investigation, the impact of geometric parameters, material properties, and placement of DEAs on the origami structure for optimal performance is studied to avoid trial and error iterations for experimental studies.