Shape-shifting panel from 3D printed undulated ribbon lattice

Materials that change their shape in response to external stimuli open up new prospects for efficient and versatile design shaping of three-dimensional objects. Here, we present a novel class micro-structures exhibiting an extension-bending coupling (EBC) effect, can be harnessed as elementary building block shape-shifting panels. They are built with single material network undulated ribbons. The deformations mechanisms both connected ribbons analysed using the finite element method explain main features EBC mechanism. For particular micro-structure proposed class, elastic is investigated under small strain assumption combining two-scale homogenization Kirchhoff–Love plate theory, at strains relying on numerical analysis. range achievable ratio then assessed respect geometric parameters unit cell. Patterned specimens manufactured commercial FFF Ultimaker 3D printer mechanically tested 20%. displacement measured by point tracking match predictions from simulations indicate structure maintain its properties strain. Moreover, tensile test load point-like boundary highlight exceptional out plane displacement. ribbon based architectures combined active materials actuation shifting structures, like soft robots, control systems power devices.