STM Journals Peer-reviewed research from Consortium e-Learning Network

Journal of Aerospace Engineering & Technology Review Article

Leveraging Origami for Space Efficiency: A Comprehensive Review of Its Role in Aerospace

  1. Kabir Belsare Department of Aerospace Engineering, MIT School of Engineering and Sciences, MIT Art, Design and Technology University Pune,
  2. Rutvik Ekshinge Department of Aerospace Engineering, MIT School of Engineering and Sciences, MIT Art, Design and Technology University Pune,
  3. Sampada Game Department of Aerospace Engineering, MIT School of Engineering and Sciences, MIT Art, Design and Technology University Pune,
  4. Shravani Kulkarni Department of Aerospace Engineering, MIT School of Engineering and Sciences, MIT Art, Design and Technology University Pune,
  5. Pandi Siddharth Department of Aerospace Engineering, MIT School of Engineering and Sciences, MIT Art, Design and Technology University Pune,

Abstract

Originating in East Asia, origami has developed beyond its original artistic medium to play a significant role in the design of adjustable systems, especially in the sector of space engineering. Due to tight weight and space constraints, these structures which are essential for aviation and spacecraft make effective use of the geometric qualities of origami. This study provides a summary of recent research, emphasizing the benefits, technical applications, and uses of deployable structures made of origami in the aerospace industry. Additionally, it examines more current origami-based space instruments, including details on their principles and real-world uses. The ancient Japanese paper-folding technique known as origami has found new uses in aerospace engineering, providing creative answers for the creation of lightweight parts, deployable structures, and small storage systems. The integration of origami-based designs in aerospace engineering is examined in this article, along with how these designs advance solar arrays, radar antennae, and spacecraft. The importance of origami-inspired engineering in lowering payload weight, maximizing space utilization, and improving the performance of aerospace components is highlighted in the article. The paper also explores several origami-based systems that are being studied for potential future uses in aviation and space exploration. Engineers use origami principles to create more effective, adaptable aerospace components, such as deployable solar panels and antennae, and lightweight, shape-shifting materials. Origami’s use in space exploration and aviation is expected to grow as research progresses, spurring inventions that improve the sustainability, efficiency, and usability of the next aerospace systems. This paper shows that origami has a bright future in contemporary engineering by highlighting its recent advancements and possible applications in aerospace.

Keywords

References (10)

  1. Yue S. A Review of Origami-Based Deployable Structures in Aerospace Engineering. Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 2023;2459(1):012137. doi:10.1088/1742-6596/2459/1/012137
  2. Morgan J, Magleby SP, Howell LL. An Approach to Designing Origami-Adapted Aerospace Mechanisms. Journal of Mechanical Design. 2016;138(5). doi:10.1115/1.4032973
  3. Lucero JC. Folding a 3D Euclidean space. In: Lang RJ, Bolitho M, You Z, editors. Origami7 - Proceedings from the 7th International Meeting on Origami in Science, Mathematics and Education. Vol. 2, Mathematics. St Albans, UK: Tarquin; 2018. p. 331–46. doi:10.48550/arXiv.06224.
  4. Meloni M, Cai J, Zhang Q, Sang‐Hoon Lee D, Li M, Ma R, et al. Engineering Origami: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Applications, Design Methods, and Tools. Advanced Science. 2021;8(13). doi:10.1002/advs.202000636
  5. Sigel D, Trease BP, Thomson MW, Webb DR, Willis P, Lisman PD. Application of Origami in the Starshade Spacecraft Blanket Design. Volume 5B: 38th Mechanisms and Robotics Conference. 2014. doi:10.1115/detc2014-34315
  6. Turner N, Goodwine B, Sen M. A review of origami applications in mechanical engineering. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science. 2015;230(14):2345-2362. doi:10.1177/0954406215597713
  7. Debnath S, Fei LJ. Origami theory and its applications: A literature review. World Acad Sci Eng Technol. 2013;1131–5.
  8. Wang C, Guo H, Liu R, Deng Z. A programmable origami-inspired space deployable structure with curved surfaces. Engineering Structures. 2022;256:113934. doi:10.1016/j.engstruct.2022.113934
  9. Sokolowski WM, Tan SC. Advanced Self-Deployable Structures for Space Applications. Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets. 2007;44(4):750-754. doi:10.2514/1.22854
  10. Lin J, Knoll C, Willey C. Shape Memory Rigidizable Inflatable (RI) Structures for Large Space Systems Applications. 47th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference 14th AIAA/ASME/AHS Adaptive Structures Conference 7th. 2006. doi:10.2514/6.2006-1896
Support