The self assembly of closed surfaces from flat sheet

COFFEE_KLATCH  · Invited

Abstract

We will discuss theoretical and some experimental work to understand the conditions which a flat sheet with embedded permanent magnets can spontaneously fold into a closed surface. The critical question is understanding how to design the system -- both the cut of the sheet and the position of the magnets -- to maximize the yield of assembling into a closed surface without misfolding. This problem also raises novel and interesting questions in thin plate elasticity, which will be highlighted.

Authors

  • Michael Brenner

    • Applied Mathematics and Applied Physics, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University