Programmable Instability of Miura Tube–Based Spatial Structures

Abstract

Programmable instability is crucial to the design of intelligent structures. Origami has inspired new methods of designing spatial truss structures with programmable instability. In this study, the finite-particle method was used to investigate the programmable instability modes of spatial structures based on Miura-ori, an origami pattern. Truss models of single-layer and multilayer Miura tube–based spatial structures were established. The instability process for each structure was simulated, and each structure’s stiffness, strain energy, and instability processes were studied. The instability modes of these structures were controlled through adjustment of two geometrical parameters: the angle in a plane and the angle between planes. The influence of these parameters on structural stability was analyzed. Finally, the numerical simulation results were compared with the results of experiments involving physical models. This paper proposes a new design for Miura tube–based truss structures with programmable instability.