Morphing structures
- Submission status
- Closed
- Submission deadline
Traditionally, structures were constructed to withstand external forces, aiming for high stability and rigidity. A morphing structure breaks this conventional notion by including sufficient flexibility to change its shape while also maintaining enough stiffness to withstand external loads and maintain its desired form. Common approaches for designing morphing structures encompass tailoring rigid joints and hinges using locking mechanisms or "compliant mechanisms" and engineering flexible structures with stiffness modulated in different dimensions. Creating a successful morphing structure requires a holistic approach that considers every aspect of the design process. From the initial analysis of external operating conditions and loads to the final selection of materials and manufacturing methods, every decision must be meticulously weighed and balanced, which presents a complex design challenge that demands multidisciplinary solutions.
This Collection will showcase the latest research advancing the design and construction of morphing structures, including developing new tools for operating environment analysis, materials selection, manufacturing and assembly, and further optimization.
Editors
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Annamaria Gisario
Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica e Aerospaziale, Sapienza Università di Roma, Italy
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Xiaopeng Li
The School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, UNSW Sydney, Australia
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Chang Jiang Wang
Department of Engineering and Design, University of Sussex, United Kingdom
