Programmable Kirigami: Cutting and Folding in Science, Technology and Architecture

Abstract

This paper investigates the potential of kirigami-folding with the addition of strategically placed cuts at multiple scales through both computational design and physical prototyping. The study develops a novel method and workflow for generating two-dimensional (2D) kirigami patterns developed from doubly curved three-dimensional (3D) surfaces (Inverse process). Corresponding simulations of the kirigami folding motion from 2D pattern to 3D goal shape are presented (Forward process). The workflow is based on a reciprocal feedback loop including computational design, finite element analysis, dynamic simulation and physical prototyping. Extended from previous research on kirigami geometry, this paper incorporates material properties into the folding process and successfully develops active kirigami models from the DNA scale to human scale. The results presented in this paper provide an attractive method for kirigami design and fabrication with a wide range of scales and applications.