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Bistable mechanical systems exhibit two stable configurations where the elastic energy is locally minimized. To realize such systems, origami techniques have been proposed as a versatile platform to design deployable structures with both compact and functional stable states. Conceptually, a bistable origami motif is composed of two-dimensional surfaces connected by one-dimensional fold lines. This leads to stable configurations exhibiting zero-energy local minima. Physically, origami-inspired structures are three-dimensional, comprising facets and hinges fabricated in a distinct stable state where residual stresses are minimized. This leads to the dominance of one stable state over the other. To improve mechanical performance, one can solve the constrained optimization problem of maximizing the bistability of origami structures, defined as the amount of elastic energy required to switch between stable states, while ensuring materials used for the facets and hinges remain within their elastic regime. In this study, the Mesh Adaptive Direct Search (MADS) algorithm, a blackbox optimization technique, is used to solve the constrained optimization problem. The bistable waterbomb-base origami motif is selected as a case-study to present the methodology. The elastic energy of this origami pattern under deployment is calculated via Finite Element simulations which serve as the blackbox in the MADS optimization loop. To validate the results, optimized waterbomb-base geometries are built via Fused Filament Fabrication and their response under loading is characterized experimentally on a Uniaxial Test Machine. Ultimately, our method offers a general framework for optimizing bistability in mechanical systems, presenting opportunities for advancement across various engineering applications.

Developing engineering systems that rely on flow-induced reconfiguration, the phenomenon where a structure deforms under flow to reduce its drag, requires design tools that can predict the behavior of these flexible structures. Current methods include using fully coupled computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis solvers or highly specialized theories for specific geometries. Coupled numerical methods are computationally expensive to use and non-trivial to setup, while specialized theories are difficult to generalize and take a long time to develop. A compromise between speed, accuracy, and versatility is required to be implemented into the design cycle of flexible structures under flow. This paper offers a new numerical implementation of the pressure drag in the context of a corotational finite element formulation on MATLAB. The presented software is verified against different semi-analytical theories applied to slender plates and disks cut along their radii as well as validated against experiments on kirigami sheets and draping disks., Comment: 10 pages, 5 figures

Recently, inflatable elements integrated in robotics systems have enabled complex motions as a result of simple inputs. However, these fluidic actuators typically exhibit unimodal deformation upon inflation. Here, we present a new design concept for modular, fluidic actuators that can switch between deformation modes as a response to an input threshold. Our system comprises bistable origami modules in which snapping breaks rotational symmetry, giving access to a bending deformation. By tuning geometry, the modules can be designed to snap at different pressure thresholds, rotate clockwise or counterclockwise when actuated, and bend in different planes. Due to their ability to assume multiple deformation modes as response to a single pressure input we call our system MuA-Ori, or Multimodal Actuated Origami. MuA-Ori provides an ideal platform to design actuators that can switch between different configurations, reach multiple, pre-defined targets in space, and move along complex trajectories.