Colloquia

Summary

Using the principles of origami folding, shape-changing structures and devices can be constructed. To control the shape-change of these devices magnetic actuation can be used. There are existing methods for simulating origami structures, but none of them incorporate magnetic actuation. This thesis presents a method for analyzing magnetically-actuated shape-changing origami devices. The modeling framework uses novel formulations to decompose a magnetic load to be compatible with a bar-and-hinge model. The formulations developed work for two shapes that are commonly used in origami structures. This allows for a large variety of origami structures to be simulated. An iterative solver is implemented to calculate the deformation of a magnetic origami structure in a uniform magnetic field. The model is validated with multiple experiments where the deformation of test samples in a uniform magnetic field is compared to the simulations. The samples are constructed from 3D printed PLA panels connected with bendable thin steel hinges and neodymium magnets. The deformation of the samples in a uniform magnetic field showed a decent match to the simulation results. Multiple examples of what structures can be simulated are included to show the capabilities of the model. The model still has limitations, it only works for two panel shapes and in a static uniform magnetic field. Even with the limitations the modeling framework shows promising results and has opportunities for future expansion.