A comprehensive study of a new cylindrical flexible Miura-Ori origami: Kinematics, FEA, and fatigue assessments

Abstract

In this paper, we introduced a new cylindrical flexible structure incorporating a multi-story origami based on the Miura-Ori pattern and mathematized kinematics. Our experiments validated the finite element simulations as well as the feasibility of the kinematics. We developed a fabrication technique and made a sample to study the feasibility and applicability of the designed structure. Subsequently, we set up a finite element simulation that mirrors the prepared sample. A series of axial folding experiments were carried out to validate the FEM simulation. We have also derived kinematic formulations relating the structure's height, folding angle, and radius. To model and analyze the folding and unfolding mechanisms of this innovative structure, we employed Finite Element Analysis (FEA). In our study, we investigate four main geometric parameters that significantly influence our design's characteristics: crease thickness, number of stories, crease width, and number of vertexes in one story. By varying these design parameters, we systematically examine their impact on key structural attributes such as fatigue life, folding force, and energy absorption. Our findings indicate that reduced crease thickness correlates with lower von-Mises stress and strain, significantly extending the origami design's lifespan. Through our analysis, we identify specific parameter values that maximize fatigue life, ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of the design. Our findings show that increasing the crease width extends the fatigue life dramatically. In conclusion, we summarize the influence of each design parameter on the structure's behavioral characteristics in a comprehensive approach.