Emilly Marciszewski
Research Mentor(s): Royan D’Mello
Mentor Department: Aerospace Engineering
Authors:
Session: Session 4 (1:00pm – 1:50pm)
Presentation Type: Poster 101
Abstract
Kresling patterns, inspired by the folding principles of traditional origami, have amassed interest throughout various disciplines dedicated to advancing structural and material efficiency. Due to its easily tunable capability and non-rigid behavior, this geometry is ideal for the development of reconfigurable systems, particularly relevant to the field of aerospace engineering. The focus of this study is to investigate the performance of thin-walled collapsible structures with embedded Kresling geometric units through the use of finite element (FE) simulations, mathematical models, and prototype mechanical testing. The goal is to analzye the cross-sectional rotation along the length of the structure when the structure is axially compressed – that is, understand the compression-twist coupling in the structure. Virtual experiments are being conducted, using FE analysis, to study the behavior of Kresling units structures with varying geometric parameters such as wall thicknesses, unit length and angles of folds with respect to the axial direction. The results from the FE simulations will help with setting up a simple mathematical model correlating the aforementioned geometric parameters with the peak rotation and peak force attained in each Kresling unit, for a given wall material property. Furthermore, this study will support the development of a longer tube with multiple Kresling units, created using additive manufacturing, to be used in physical testing and to be compared with results from FE simulations. Subsequent results will facilitate the advancement of a Kresling structure with the desired properties and increased functionality in real-world applications for actuation that can exploit compression-twist coupling.
