Modeling and Simulating Origami Structures using Bilinear Solid-Shell Element

Abstract

We propose a novel computational framework for modeling and simulating origami structures. In this framework, bilinear solid-shell elements are employed to model the origami panels while crease folding is considered through the angle between the director vectors of the adjacent panels. The director vector is the vector normal to the mid-surface before displacement/deformation comes in. To mitigate locking issues in the solid-shell element, we introduce the assumed natural strain method. To validate the effectiveness of our framework, we conduct origami simulations involving both straight- and curved-creases. The accuracy and efficacy of the framework are demonstrated through quantitative and qualitative analyses.