Proposal of a computational modelling method of curved origami structures based on finite element analysis models with truss elements for creases modelling

Abstract

Origami structures with curved creases (curved origami structures) have gained extensive attention in several fields. It is well-known that self-locking is one of characteristics of the curved origami structure. When the self-locking occurs, its shape is fixed without external forces. On the view of computer-aided design for the curved origami structure, many studies have focused on computational modeling methods of its shape. However, there are few methods to evaluate mechanical characteristics of the curved origami structures and to simulating folding behavior from unfolded state to folded state with occurring self-locking. Therefore, this study proposes a new computational modeling method for the curved origami structure. In the proposed method, truss elements are applied to creases modeling in finite element analysis and the self-locking is simulated using stepwise forced displacements. To clarify availability of the proposed method, design and simulation problems of origami grippers which are curved origami structures with occurring self-locking are investigated. Through this investigation, feasibility of origami grippers is also discussed.