Quasi-rigid folding and geometric optimization of Kresling origami for highly improved foldability and load-bearing capacity

作者：Mingjin Cao, Li‐Qun Chen, Qiyao Li, Shaoyu Zhao, Zekun Wang, S. Kitipornchai, Jie Yang · 发表于：Engineering Structures · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.120274 · 被引用次数：12 · 研究领域：Advanced Materials and Mechanics、Structural Analysis and Optimization、Biomimetic flight and propulsion mechanisms

To address the challenges posed by large facet deformation that considerably impacts the foldability of Kresling origami, we propose a new two-step folding method (TSFM) for the origami structure to achieve quasi-rigid folding with a high folding ratio and greatly improved load-bearing capacity. Based on the proposed folding method, a geometric optimization model by means of a genetic algorithm is further developed for the inverse design of Kresling origami to achieve desired performance. The feasibility of the proposed TSFM is both numerically and experimentally verified. Compared to the traditional one-step folding method, TSFM significantly reduces folding energy by six orders of magnitude and enables quasi-rigid folding of Kresling origami. Furthermore, the effectiveness of TSFM is consistent across various geometries. As the height-to-radius ratio or the absolute rotation angle between the top and bottom polygons decreases, the folding ratio of Kresling origami exhibits a remarkable increase between its two stable configurations. Additionally, the load-bearing capacity of the structure improves as the absolute rotation angle decreases. The Kresling origami generated by the proposed technique also demonstrates minimal sensitivity to variations in the height-to-radius ratio. The proposed optimization model facilitates customized designs that integrate the performance of Kresling origami with geometric shapes, while the data regression model enables rapid configuration calc...