Self-Unfolding Properties of Smart Grid-Reinforced Membrane Origami

Abstract

Origami-based membrane structures have shown great potential to revolutionize the construction of deployable and lightweight space structures in the future. However, the efficient unfolding mechanism puts forward major challenges to the practical realization of space-deployable structures. Here, a smart grid-reinforced membrane origami (SGRMO) is presented. The unfolding action hinges upon the application of forces facilitated by shape memory polymer composites (SMPCs). Subsequent locking action ensues through the restoration of the initial rigidity, accomplished via cooling mechanisms. This novel structure achieves the required lightweight and functionality by employing the grid design concept and effectively reduces the decline in unfolding extent caused by irreversible plastic deformation at the crease. Its recovery properties, including unfolding angle, distance, and surface precision, are experimentally and analytically investigated under different conditions. The results indicate that the structure can be reliably unfolded into the predefined shapes. In the case of Miura-SGRMO, the optimal surface precision is attained when the angle-ψ registers at 30°. The results of this study are expected to serve as the design of ultra-large flexible solar arrays and deployable antenna structures.