Researchers at Sichuan University and McGill University have developed a new approach to simplify the design of intricate kirigami structures. The method, published in Physical Review Letters, relies on intuitive geometric principles rather than advanced computational tools.
Kirigami is a traditional Japanese art form that involves cutting and folding paper to create complex 3D structures. In recent years, this technique has been applied in physics, engineering, and materials science research to create new materials, devices, and even robotic systems.
Damiano Pasini, senior corresponding author of the study, explained that their work builds on previous research into kirigami’s geometric parameters. The team discovered a fundamental relationship between the shape of rotating units and the deformation of deployed kirigami. This insight allows for the design of kirigami without relying on complex numerical methods.
The new method requires three key ingredients: the contracted shape of rotating units, the deployed shape of kirigami, and an area-preserving map outlining the transition from deployment to contraction. By applying a shear strain to the shape of rotating units in the opposite direction, the team can program the deformation of a kirigami specimen at will.
The researchers demonstrated the potential of their inverse design method by producing three different types of morphing targets: contracted shapes, deployed shapes, and internal trajectories of rotating units. The study shows promise for creating a wide range of kirigami designs that can help tackle complex engineering challenges.
Pasini stated that this work provides ground-rule insights into morphing matter with rotating units and offers an intuitive, firsthand geometric route for the swift design of complex kirigami. Similar observations can be drawn by examining other kirigami patterns, suggesting the potential for broad applicability of this method.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2025-05-intuitive-geometric-method-inverse-kirigami.html