Buckling activated ventilation control modules: A concept proposal and numerical simulations

As the requirements in construction industry for lower energy consumption are becoming more stringent, shape morphing triggered by buckling is targeted for energy-saving structural applications. Among the structural forms that are suitable for such applications are thin plates, which are prone to buckling under small in-plane strains. Deployable point-supports can be utilised to enhance and guide the buckling behaviour of thin plates based structural systems and subsequently to achieve desired morphogenesis. In adapting such framework, this study presents novel concepts with application in ventilation control modules. In the proposed models, temporary point-restraints are initially deployed to load the plate into the post-buckling range of the primary plate element. The ventilation system is activated when the temporary point-supports are released, causing the primary plate to buckle into the desired opening form. The proposed models are simulated using finite element software to determine the feasibility of the proposed idea and determine the effectiveness of buckling as a reliable mechanism in kinetic façade control modules. The proposed prototype can be operated using electric and mechanical external motors or alternatively smart materials can be used for sensing and actuation as required.