Additive Manufacturing of a Magneto-Active Resch Hexaflexagon Origami Pattern
Open Access
Author:
Bergen, Christian
Area of Honors:
Engineering Science
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Paris R Vonlockette, Thesis Supervisor Akhlesh Lakhtakia, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Origami 3D printing additive manufacturing Resch magneto-active origami engineering self folding hexaflexagon energy
Abstract:
Self-folding origami is an aspect of origami engineering that is fundamental for various
applications such as biomedical devices, satellites, or energy-absorbing structures. Past
research has found that magnetic actuation can cause self-folding when implemented on
origami structures such as the Miura-Ori, waterbomb base, and Resch patterns. The
hexaflexagon origami structure was fabricated to test its self-folding magnetic actuation
response using a single 3D-printed model. The fabrication technique used magnetic
material in the sections that need torque from an actuator to fold and flexible material
along the fold lines or hinges. The main experiment tested the hexaflexagon model in a
magnetic field and recorded its fold properties. Further, the relationships between the
magnetic energy applied to the structure and the elastic energy stored in the folds were
studied. Comparing the maximum work done by the magnetic panels and maximum
elastic potential energy in the hinges, the results show that the hexaflexagon could be
actuated with 46.7% efficiency. More work was done by the panels than in order to hold
the hexaflexagon in its folded state, suggesting better efficiency is possible.
