Deployment of SMP Miura-ori sheet and its application: Aerodynamic drag and RCS reduction

Abstract

Origami, such as Miura-ori, is the art of folding two-dimensional materials into complex, elaborate, and multifunctional three-dimensional objects. In this paper, SMP MO sheet are prepared, and the accuracy of deployable process is verified by experiments. The folding and deployable process of SMP MO sheet is divided into 4 stages, and each stage is described in detail. The stiffness of smart deployable stage is characterized by an exponential decline at the beginning and a gradual decrease to 0, and this is similar to the theoretical shear equivalent modulus in the Y direction. The effects of various parameters on strain and stress are also explored. The purpose of studying these mechanical characteristics is to provide driving force reference in application; In terms of application, the flow field and electromagnetic characteristics of MO sheet in different directions are studied. The aerodynamic drag and RCS reduction of MO unit cell and graded MO sheet during the deployable process are evaluated. When the dihedral fold angle is about 45°, the RCS reduction and drag reduction characteristics of MO sheet are relatively optimal, which is most beneficial to morphing aircraft.