Anisotropic, Adaptive, and Asymmetric Multi-Stability From Origami Folding

This study investigates the elastic multi-stability properties originated from origami folding. Specifically, it focuses on a space-filling architecture consisting of stacked Miura-ori sheets, which exhibits multiple stable states corresponding to different internal folding configurations. The fundamentally three-dimensional shape transformations from origami folding impart several unique properties that are unachievable from the lower dimensional mechanisms. They are (1) anisotropy-arrangement of the stable and unstable states fundamentally differs along different principle axes; (2) adaptability-stable states can be generated or eliminated via simple pressurization; and (3) asymmetry-the energy barrier of switching from one stable state to another can be significantly higher than the opposite switch, even though the two stable states have the same energy level. These unique stability properties could be harnessed to create a wide variety of adaptive functionalities, such as programmable stiffness, impulsive actuation, and mechanical diode effect. The purpose of this paper is to examine the physical origin of the three stability properties and their correlations to the origami design. Results of this of study can foster the creation of novel multi-functional structures and materials based on origami.