Strong conformable structure via tension activated kirigami

Abstract

Kirigami, the art of cutting and folding sheets, provides a way to deploy three-dimensional shapes from flat material. Known for centuries by artists and the subject of recent research, practical application of kirigami is limited by the complexity of the folding step. Recently, a kirigami pattern based on staggered slits has been used for expanded metal gratings and packaging material, having the practical advantage of deploying with simple tension rather than complex folding. Here, we introduce a tension activated kirigami pattern that drives flat material into rows of vertical, accordion-like, folded walls. This array of walls has a stiffness and strength comparable to a full honeycomb core, yet it self-deploys under tension. The structure is also conformable, allowing it to wrap around objects. These attributes enable a step forward for low-cost structural panels and a sustainable alternative to plastic cushion wrap.