Turn & Up

Simple operations, like twisting structures, can alter the mechanical properties of a material. In this study, Yuanhan Shen bends the material so that it embraces itself, naturally restricting the movement of each part and increasing friction. What if this principle was applied to the inner structure of a material? Would we achieve variable properties like strength, rigidity, hardness? The project develops micro structures in two directions, with rigid units and flexible units. With rigid units, the touching space between each unit changes as the density varies, causing different levels of resistance. With flexible units, the turning of one unit leads to the turning of each unit around it. These experiments lay the foundations for future applications