Mechanical Behavior of Origami-Based Inflatable Bistable Foldable Panels

Abstract

Deployable structures are extensively used in engineering. A bistable panel structure, inspired by multistable origami, is proposed, capable of deployment and folding powered by air pressure. Prototypes were manufactured using planar laser etching technology based on geometric design. Mechanical behavior under out-of-plane compression, in-plane compression, and out-of-plane bending loads was analyzed through experiments. The foldable panel showed superior mechanical performance under out-of-plane compression, highlighting its potential as an ideal energy-absorbing material. In-plane compression and out-of-plane bending along the folding direction exhibited lower strength due to foldability, with failure modes involving rigidity loss from folding. The structure demonstrated good energy absorption characteristics during in-plane compression. As the angle of the unit increased during out-of-plane bending, mechanical performance improved, but the failure mode shifted to fracture. In in-plane compression and out-of-plane bending perpendicular to the folding direction, mechanical performance was enhanced, but the structure failed due to strength loss from fracture.