Deployable Structures in Nature: Potential for Biomimicking

Abstract

Biology contains many examples of deployable structures. They can be grouped as planar, cylindrical, stiff and compliant, and space frame combining both stiff and compliant elements (ten-segrity structures). Deployment occurs due to high strain elastic materials, or folds and curves that can be actuated by springs, changes in shape (mediated by hydraulic or contractile mechanisms) or changes in stiffness. Evolution filters out inefficiency. Transfer of nature's technology requires understanding of the optimizations in the biological system. The concepts can then be used in aerospace, deployable camouflage, packaging, emergency shelters, capture systems, etc.