Self-locking Kirigami surfaces via controlled stretching

Abstract

Kirigami provides a powerful strategy to transform two-dimensional elements into complex three-dimensional functional structures with lengths ranging from nanoscale to microscale and macroscale. The stability and programmability of forming three-dimensional structures through mechanical actuation, whether external or self-balancing, are crucial. Here, we offer a system that performs the 2D to 3D transformation through sequential in-plane tension and release. As a result, the 3D state is obtained by out-plane popping and rotation and shows a self-locking behavior. The range of geometric parameters for kirigami elements with different stability properties is determined theoretically. The in-plane tension conditions are also calculated to break the transition point of the forming process. The horizontal and vertical modular array analysis demonstrates the scalability and programmability from the self-locking elements to the Kirigami surfaces. We expect that the kirigami pattern and design approach will serve for innovative systems, including tunable antennas, flexible electronics, and medical devices.