Bistable Auxetic System -- Programming synclastic curvature into 2D Patterning

This research aims to provide a new way of thinking about the ever-expanding quest in architecture to deliver free-form geometry. Rather than relying on complex formwork, the proposed reconfigurable system can translate free form synclastic surfaces to pre-programmed 2D configuration, providing an attractive potential for the building industry. The work draws inspiration from the transformation process of auxetic materials and embeds this within a bi-stable mechanism. Starting from fundamental geometric research of linear hinges and out-of-plane rotation, geometrical constraints are identified thoroughly for the length-preserving transformation (Bottom-up process). Computation strategies to generate the locations of linear hinges from target discrete curvature are informed by the constraints and further optimized through prototype fabrication(Top-down process). Accompanying the pattern generation, a design strategy based on the Gauss map and parallel mesh is also developed to explore the given constraints of materiality and constructability(Bottom-up process again). Finally, practical proposals in three different contexts, namely, vertical screens, flexible molding, and self-supporting shell structures are designed to exhibit the wide-ranging applications of this system.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S., Architecture

Level thesis:degree_level

Master of Science

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Architecture

Grantor

Cornell University

Year dc:date.issued

2020

Author dc:creator

• Huang, Zhenxiang

Committee member dc:contributor.committeemember

• Miller, Martin Fields

• Auxetic material
• Bi-stable mechanism
• Deployable structure
• Reconfigurable architecture

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7298/e4z3-ch95

Dc Identifier Other

ProQuest Submission ID: 11138
ProQuest Publication ID: 28262668

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ecommons.cornell.edu:1813/103329