A team of researchers from Northwestern Engineering has been inspired by a Japanese art style that incorporates paper folding practices such as paper folding practices for a new engineering approach.
This art style is referred to as kirigami where paper is cut and turned into a 3D object. In this elegant, kirigami style instead of 3D printing, engineers are able to create a wide range of complex structures using thin layers of material and software to select precise geometric cuts, according to the press release. .
Kirigami and nanomanufacturing
A previous study published in 2015 had shown promise in the “kirigami pop-up manufacturing model”; however, the creations had little potential to achieve closed shapes. This new research, published in the journal Advanced materials from Northwestern Engineering, has taken the previous research a step further by applying design and kirigami concepts to nanostructures.
Horacio Espinosa, professor of mechanical engineering at McCormick School of Engineering, said, “By combining nanomanufacturing, in situ microscopy testing, and computer modeling, we solved the rich behavior of kirigami structures and identified conditions for use in applications. manual. “
Here ‘s how it goes: The researchers create 2D structures using the method and “kirigami cuts” are applied to ultrathin films. This creates structural instability caused by residential pressures in the films. Well-defined 3D structures are then achieved in this way.
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The researchers say these structures could be used in applications ranging from microscale grippers to spatial light modulators to flow control in aircraft wings.
You can check out the approach below:
As the YouTube description states, the materials are bent and twisted into various shapes after making signature kirigami cuts in very thin materials.
When further research is done, the team aims to study more of the kirigami designs to fulfill a greater number of duties. The team believes that architecture, aerospace, and environmental engineering could benefit from this approach in the future.