16th International Conference on Composite Structures
ICCS 16
A. J. M. Ferreira (Editor)
© FEUP, Porto, 2011
ORIGAMI COMPOSITE AUXETIC HONEYCOMB
Kazuya Saito*, F. Scarpa† and Robin Neville†
*
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS)
e-mail: mailto:[email protected]
†
Advanced Composites Centre for Innovation and Science (ACCIS)
University of Bristol
Queens Building, University Walk, BS8 1TR Bristol, UK
e-mail: [email protected], web page: http://www.bris.ac.uk/composites
Key words: Honeycombs, origami, Experimental mechanics, Manufacturing.
Abstract
In this work we describe the manufacturing and testing of a centresymmetric honeycomb structure
(“butterly honeycomb”) made using origami techniques. Origami-based foldable concepts allow
developing structures with complex shapes, adapted to complex geometry, and avoiding the
production of discarded material from machining/grinding. The honeycomb is made using sheets of
woven Kevlar (Figure 1), with folds and patterns, which will be described in the paper. Several
honeycombs samples have been manufactured and subjected to compressive and shear tests according
to ASTM norms (C-273-00 and C-393-00). We will show that the origami-based honeycomb design
allows producing sandwich structures with complex shapes, with parts of the core being able to morph
into partially developed honeycomb sections.
Fig. 1 Auxetic Origami Kevlar butterfly honeycomb in partially folded configuration.
Reference
[1]. Scarpa F., Burriesci G., Smith F. C., Chambers B. Mechanical and dielectric properties of auxetic
honeycomb structures. The Aeronautical Journal, 107, 2003, 175-183.
[2]. Nojima, T. & Saito, K. (2006), "Development of Newly Designed Ultra-Light Core Structures", JSME
International Journal Series A Solid Mechanics and Material Engineering. Vol. 49(1), pp. 38-42.