Nonlinear dynamics investigation of origami string integrated structure

While various existing approaches for examining the folding, unfolding, and deployment of cable-driven origami structures predominantly depend on static and kinematic analysis. This work presents a novel nonlinear dynamic method to investigate the combined behavior of origami structures integrated with elastic string elements <i>via</i> the Lagrangian approach, considering a nodal coordinate vector as a variable. Nevertheless, the investigation of the nonlinear dynamics of the origami-string integrated structures has been overlooked. This article presents the folding methodology of integrated structures, utilizing the finite element method to examine the intricate folding, unfolding, and deployment mechanisms of the structures, regardless of the degrees of freedom. Numerical simulations are conducted for the folding analysis of the rigid Miura origami and non-rigid Kresling origami integrated with elastic string elements. The obtained outcomes of the structure help to evaluate the folding efficiency of the designed structure, evaluate structural responses, and explore strategies for practical deployment. In addition, a parametric study is performed to understand how variations in geometric parameters influence the dynamic deployment behavior. Overall, the nonlinear dynamic analysis provides valuable insights into the structural response of origami-string integrated systems under geometric modifications.