Flexible Research Group
Synthesis
We aim to generate the tools and methods necessary to synthesize the topologies of flexible structures, mechanisms, and materials (i.e., determine the number, kind, location, and orientation of their constituent flexible elements). Our approach utilizes systematic steps for helping designers rapidly navigate a comprehensive library of vector spaces from which the complete body of topology solutions can be considered. These vector spaces are depicted as intuitive geometric shapes, which allow designers to leverage their natural strengths toward visualizing and comparing practical and orderly topology solutions.
Optimization
We aim to generate the analytical tools necessary to rapidly optimize the geometry and material properties of the constituent flexible elements that constitute the synthesized topologies of flexible structures, mechanisms, and materials. Some of our methods utilize linear matrix-based equations that enable designers to conduct efficient parameter sweeps for identifying designs that best achieve desired static or dynamic functional requirements. Other methods we employ utilize advanced non-linear tools for optimizing the performance of flexible structures, mechanisms, and materials that deform, yield, and/or buckle over large ranges of motion.
Fabrication
We aim to advance and combine the capabilities of existing state-of-the-art fabrication technologies to create new disruptive capabilities that enable the rapid fabrication of complex flexible structures, mechanisms, and materials. We are currently creating new additive fabrication technologies that will realize true 3D nanometer-sized multi-material features, which can be fabricated within large print volumes, over reasonable build times, and at affordable costs.