Virtual MEchanics GAthering -MEGA- Seminar: Talk 1 - Computational assembly for fabrication; Talk 2 - Deploying BASS - bistable auxetic surface structures
Talk 1: Computational assembly for fabrication, by Ziqi Wang (GCM, EPFL)
Abstract An assembly refers to a collection of parts joined together to achieve a specific form and/or functionality. Conventionally, parts in an assembly are joined by glue, nails, screws, or some standard connectors. However, these joining methods do not encourage disassembly and re-assembly. My research focuses on using integral joints, which are a portion of the parts' geometry, to make assemblies that can transmit force to carry loads. Designing these assemblies is a non-trivial task as a slight local modification on a part’s geometry or its joining method could have a global impact on the structural performance of the whole assembly. In this talk, I will present a general computational framework for modeling and optimizing assemblies with integral joints to achieve various structural stability. The potential applications include toy puzzles, furniture, and architecture.
Bio Ziqi Wang is a Ph.D. candidate at the School of Computer and Communication Sciences at EPFL. He received his bachelor degree in Mathematics in 2017 from University of Science and Technology of China. His research interests focus on geometry processing, architecture geometry, and digital fabrication.
Talk 2: Deploying BASS - bistable auxetic surface structures, by Tim Chen (GCM, EPFL)
Abstract We present Bistable Auxetic Surface Structures (BASS) a novel deployable material system based on optimized bistable auxetic cells. A BASS can be flat-fabricated from elastic sheet material, then deployed towards a desired double-curved target shape by activating the bistable mechanism of its component cells. A unique feature of BASS is that the deployed model is by design in a stable state. This facilitates deployment without the need of complex external supports or boundary constraints.
We introduce a computational solution for the inverse design of BASS. Our algorithm first pre-computes a library of bistable auxetic cells to cover a range of in-plane expansion/contraction ratios, while maximizing the bistability and stiffness of the cell to ensure robust deployment. We then use metric distortion analysis of the target surface to compute the planar fabrication state as a composition of cells that best matches the desired deployment deformation. As each cell expands or contracts during deployment, metric frustration forces the surface towards its target equilibrium state. We validate our method with several physical prototypes.
Bio Tian (Tim) Chen is currently a post-doctoral scientist at the EPFL. He is co-advised by Pedro Reis from mechanical engineering and Mark Pauly from computer science. His research is at the intersection of computational design, material science, solid mechanics and advanced manufacturing. He received his PhD in mechanical engineering from ETH Zurich, as well as the ETH Medal for outstanding doctoral theses. He plans to begin a faculty position this coming fall.
Abstract An assembly refers to a collection of parts joined together to achieve a specific form and/or functionality. Conventionally, parts in an assembly are joined by glue, nails, screws, or some standard connectors. However, these joining methods do not encourage disassembly and re-assembly. My research focuses on using integral joints, which are a portion of the parts' geometry, to make assemblies that can transmit force to carry loads. Designing these assemblies is a non-trivial task as a slight local modification on a part’s geometry or its joining method could have a global impact on the structural performance of the whole assembly. In this talk, I will present a general computational framework for modeling and optimizing assemblies with integral joints to achieve various structural stability. The potential applications include toy puzzles, furniture, and architecture.
Bio Ziqi Wang is a Ph.D. candidate at the School of Computer and Communication Sciences at EPFL. He received his bachelor degree in Mathematics in 2017 from University of Science and Technology of China. His research interests focus on geometry processing, architecture geometry, and digital fabrication.
Talk 2: Deploying BASS - bistable auxetic surface structures, by Tim Chen (GCM, EPFL)
Abstract We present Bistable Auxetic Surface Structures (BASS) a novel deployable material system based on optimized bistable auxetic cells. A BASS can be flat-fabricated from elastic sheet material, then deployed towards a desired double-curved target shape by activating the bistable mechanism of its component cells. A unique feature of BASS is that the deployed model is by design in a stable state. This facilitates deployment without the need of complex external supports or boundary constraints.
We introduce a computational solution for the inverse design of BASS. Our algorithm first pre-computes a library of bistable auxetic cells to cover a range of in-plane expansion/contraction ratios, while maximizing the bistability and stiffness of the cell to ensure robust deployment. We then use metric distortion analysis of the target surface to compute the planar fabrication state as a composition of cells that best matches the desired deployment deformation. As each cell expands or contracts during deployment, metric frustration forces the surface towards its target equilibrium state. We validate our method with several physical prototypes.
Bio Tian (Tim) Chen is currently a post-doctoral scientist at the EPFL. He is co-advised by Pedro Reis from mechanical engineering and Mark Pauly from computer science. His research is at the intersection of computational design, material science, solid mechanics and advanced manufacturing. He received his PhD in mechanical engineering from ETH Zurich, as well as the ETH Medal for outstanding doctoral theses. He plans to begin a faculty position this coming fall.
Practical information
- General public
- Free
Organizer
- MEGA.Seminar Organizing Committee