Nonlinear Wave Dynamics of Origami-Based Mechanical Metamaterials

We examine the potential use of origami structures, especially the Tachi-Miura Polyhedron (TMP) which is an origami bellows structure, as mechanical metamaterials. Focusing on the kinematics of its folding, we show that the TMP has unique characteristics, e.g., The Poisson´s ratios change from positive to negative depending upon the crease pattern. In addition, we introduce a torsion spring to model the crease line of the TMP in order to study nonlinear wave dynamics. We derive analytical expression of the crease line´s motions, where the folding behavior of the crease line provides nonlinear force-displacement responses both in compression and tension. These unusual characteristics lead to potential applications in impact absorption or energy transportation.