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Researchers: [Byoung-Gyu Kim], [GeonHee Cho ]
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Collaborators: Prof. Hak-Tae Lee at Inha University [Lab website]
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Themes: Lightweight and deployable structures
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Origami as a deployable structure offers the unique advantage of achieving compact stowage via flat-folding while forming a well-defined surface upon deployment. However, since origami consists of flat facets, it is inherently limited in forming smooth curved profiles. This limitation restricts its applicability in systems where smooth curved geometries are essential for performance, such as aerospace systems and electromagnetic communication devices. Herein, we propose volumetric origami designed to preserve smooth curvature, enabled by an inverse design method capable of generating flat-foldable configurations for prescribed target surfaces, such as generalized cylinders and cones. Through analysis and numerical validation, we reveal that the stowage efficiency of volumetric origami is governed by both its number of cells and the polar representation of cross-sectional profile, with the structure becoming increasingly compact as the cell count grows. To demonstrate the engineering feasibility, we design and fabricate a lightweight, flat-foldable origami wing that precisely replicates a target airfoil geometry. The structural integrity and aerodynamic performance of the fabricated wing are validated through successful flight testing of a prototype UAV. Our work proposes a systematic inverse design approach for packaging smooth curved structures, bridging the gap between idealized origami geometry and the stringent design requirements of practical engineering systems.
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