|
|
||
|
|
|
|
FROM:
Buwaneth Yasara Dharmadasa (1,2), H.M.Y.C. Mallikarachchi (2) and Francisco Lopez Jimeniz (1)
(1) University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, 80309, USA
(2) University of Moratuwa, Katubedda, Sri Lanka
“Characterizing the mechanics of fold-lines in thin Kapton membranes”, AIAA SciTech Forum, 9-12 January 2018, Kissimee, Florida, Spacecraft Structures Conference, 2018, DOI: 10.2514/6.2018-0450
ABSTRACT: Novel designs for solar sails and star shades make use of thin films with large surface areas packed into finite volumes by introducing origami-like fold patterns. Predicting the deployed shape, deployment dynamics and mechanical stability of these structures requires an accurate modeling of the mechanical properties of the folds, instead of assuming perfect hinges like in rigid foldable origami. We have performed experiments in thin films with a single crease to investigate the underlying mechanics and characterize the mechanical properties of the fold. A parametric study was conducted on folding a Kapton film, showing that the neutral angle after folding can be rationalized as a function of the parameters in the folding process, but it evolves over time due to viscoelastic effects. Additionally, a framework has been established to quantify the hinge stiffness of a fold by its moment - angle relationship, showing a linear relationship regardless of the neutral angle. Finally an analytic model has been proposed by combining the hinge stiffness along with Elastica theories to predict the deflected shapes of folded thin films.
Page 279 / 360