Origami-based lattice constructions and lattice transformations in mechanical metamaterials (Conference Presentation)

In this research, we propose a novel and comprehensive origami-based solution to the long-standing challenge regarding lattice-based mechanical metamaterials: how to systematically construct a lattice and transform it among different symmetric configurations in a predictable, scalable, and reversible manner? By bridging the lattice geometry and rigid-folding kinematics, we reveal that origami can be used as a versatile scaffold to construct all types of 2D and 3D Bravais lattices. Via rigid folding, the origami lattices can undergo all diffusionless phase transformations, which can trigger fundamental lattice-symmetry switches. The proposed theoretical framework of origami lattice can open up new avenues towards engineering metamaterials and metastructures that can alter their underlying lattice structures on-demand, which will create new applications beyond what has been explored.