FLORIGAMI

Engineering strategically uses compliant components in the design of structures exposed to flows, as those can change their shape and adapt to their surrounding fluid environment. While a flexible structure is more adaptable and versatile, it is also more difficult to control. We thus have to understand the way it deforms and find levers to control it. In this project, we will explore an unconventional route to tailor the deformation of surfaces in a flow, making use of the unique properties of origami (folded sheet) and kirigami (sheet with a network of cuts). Previous literature showed that the meso-structure of folds or cuts allows for surfaces to morph into sophisticated shapes, and produces programmable non-linear mechanical properties. The objective of this project is to study how those original features impact the way the structure interact with a flow, and how it can be harnessed to produce novel mechanical behaviors. Origami and kirigami provide opportunities to revisit fluid/structure interaction out of its regular framework, paving the way for controlled deployment pathways in flows.