Using gradient origamis to pre-program curvatures

Abstract

Origami structures are a traditional Japanese art which have recently found their way into engineering applications due to their powerful capability to transform flat 2D structures into complex 3D structures along their creases. Here, gradient Miura-ori origamis are introduced as a method to pre-program out-of-plane curvatures. Nine types of unit cell distributions in the origami lattice structure including checkered, linear gradient, concave radial gradient, convex radial gradient, and striped have been considered. These distributions of Miura-ori origami can create twisting, saddling, bending, local inflation, and wavy shapes, as well as their combinations when the origami lattice structure is loaded in compression.