Sharifmoghaddam, K., Maleczek, R., & Nawratil, G. (2023). Generalizing rigid-foldable tubular structures of T-hedral type. Mechanics Research Communications, 132, Article 104151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mechrescom.2023.104151
We introduce an alternative way of constructing continuous flexible tubes and tubular structures based on a discrete, semi-discrete and smooth construction of surfaces known as T-hedra in the discrete case and profile-affine surfaces in the smooth setting, respectively. The geometric understanding of this method enables us to generalize discrete tubes with a rigid-foldability and to extend the construction to smooth and semi-discrete tubes with an isometric deformation. This achievement implies a unified treatment of continuous flexible structures, like surfaces and metamaterials composed of tubes, and it is the base for a deeper study of zipper tubes and their generalization. Moreover, we discuss a potential application of the presented structures for the design of foldable bridges.
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Project title:
Advanced Computational Design: F 77 (FWF - Österr. Wissenschaftsfonds)
