Researchers at RMIT University have developed a novel tubular structural system inspired by the natural reinforcement properties of bamboo and the art of curved-crease origami. This innovative design, spearheaded by Dr. Jeff Lee and Distinguished Professor Mike Xie, offers a solution for creating strong, lightweight structures that can be folded flat for easy transportation and quickly assembled on-site.
The tubes, which weigh as little as 1.3 kg (2.8 lbs), can support up to 75 kg (165 lbs), thanks to a self-locking mechanism that does not require additional tools or manual intervention. By using curved-crease origami, a technique that adds strength through geometric transformations, the system is highly durable and can be applied across various fields, including civil construction, aerospace, and disaster recovery efforts.
One key advantage is its potential use in space exploration. NASA currently utilizes flat-packed tubes in deployable solar arrays, but RMIT’s design promises improved structural integrity under the forces encountered in space. The researchers are also exploring ways to extend the self-locking feature to different tube shapes and further enhance the adaptability of the system through a smart algorithm, allowing engineers to control the strength and flexibility of the structures under different conditions.
This innovation could significantly impact how engineers approach the design and deployment of collapsible structures, making it suitable for both large-scale infrastructure and specialized applications in space.
Image Credit : RMIT University
