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Evolving, complex topography from combining centers of Gaussian curvature
Fan Feng1, John S Biggins2, Mark Warner1
1Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom.
Physical Review. E
|August 16, 2020
Summary
Liquid crystal elastomers and glasses enable shape change via director patterns. This study designs complex topographies and pixels for displays and soft robotics using hyperbolic interfaces.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Soft Matter Physics
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Liquid crystal elastomers and glasses exhibit significant shape changes controlled by director patterns.
- Deformed cones from circular director patterns display complex Gaussian curvature at interfaces and intersections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize interfaces between circular director patterns using a generalized metric compatibility condition.
- To design complex topographies and non-isometric origami structures.
- To enable inverse design of pixel arrays for image display applications.
Main Methods:
- Employing a generalized metric compatibility condition to analyze interface geometry.
- Characterizing hyperbolic and elliptical interfaces between director patterns.
- Utilizing threefold and fourfold tiling for complex structure design.
Main Results:
- Identified two families of geometrically compatible interfaces: hyperbolic and elliptical.
- Successfully designed complex topographies and non-isometric origami, including n-fold intersections and tilings.
- Demonstrated quantitative inverse design of pixel arrays for target image display.
Conclusions:
- Established comprehensive design principles for liquid crystal elastomer and glass actuators and displays.
- Showcased the potential for creating advanced soft robotics and visual displays.
- Highlighted the versatility of hyperbolic interfaces for programmable shape morphing.
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