- Physical Review Journals
All JournalsPhysics Magazine

Physical Review Letters

Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation

    Kirigami Mechanics as Stress Relief by Elastic Charges

    Michael Moshe1,2,*, Edward Esposito3, Suraj Shankar2,4,†, Baris Bircan5, Itai Cohen3,‡, David R. Nelson1,§, and Mark J. Bowick2,4,∥

    • 1Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
    • 2Physics Department and Syracuse Soft and Living Matter Program, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York 13244, USA
    • 3Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
    • 4Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA
    • 5School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA

    • *michael.moshe@mail.huji.ac.il Present address: Racah Institute of Physics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
    • †sushanka@syr.edu
    • ‡itai.cohen@cornell.edu
    • §nelson@physics.harvard.edu
    • ∥bowick@kitp.ucsb.edu
    PDF

    Phys. Rev. Lett. 122, 048001 – Published 28 January, 2019

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.122.048001

    Abstract

    We develop a geometric approach to understand the mechanics of perforated thin elastic sheets, using the method of strain-dependent image elastic charges. This technique recognizes the buckling response of a hole under an external load as a geometrically tuned mechanism of stress relief. We use a diagonally pulled square paper frame as a model system to quantitatively test and validate our approach. Specifically, we compare nonlinear force-extension curves and global displacement fields in theory and experiment. We find a strong softening of the force response accompanied by curvature localization at the inner corners of the buckled frame. Counterintuitively, though in complete agreement with our theory, for a range of intermediate hole sizes, wider frames are found to buckle more easily than narrower ones. Upon extending these ideas to many holes, we demonstrate that interacting elastic image charges can provide a useful kirigami design principle to selectively relax stresses in elastic materials.

    View figure in article

    Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

    See Also

    Nonlinear mechanics of thin frames

    Michael Moshe, Edward Esposito, Suraj Shankar, Baris Bircan, Itai Cohen, David R. Nelson, and Mark J. Bowick
    Phys. Rev. E 99, 013002 (2019)

    Authorization Required

    We need you to provide your credentials before accessing this content.
    Article Available via CHORUS
    Download Accepted Manuscript

    Other Options

    Supplemental Material (Subscription Required)

    References (Subscription Required)

    Outline

    Information

    Phys. Rev. Lett. 122, 048001– Published 28 January, 2019
    • Received 13 August 2018
    Crossmark - Check for updates button

    © 2019 American Physical Society

    Sign In to Your Journals Account

    Filter

    Filter

    Article Lookup

    Enter a citation