Computational Design of Fabricable Geometric Patterns

Abstract

This paper addresses the design of surfaces as assemblies of geometric patterns with predictable performance in response to mechanical stimuli. We design a family of tileable and fabricable patterns represented as triangle meshes, which can be assembled for creating surface tessellations. First, a regular recursive subdivision of the planar space generates different geometric configurations for candidate patterns, having interesting and varied aesthetic properties. Then, a refinement step addresses manufacturability by solving for non-manifold configurations and sharp angles which would produce disconnected or fragile patterns. We simulate our patterns to evaluate their mechanical response when loaded in different scenarios targeting out-of-plane bending. Through a simple browsing interface, we show that our patterns span a variety of different bending behaviors. The result is a library of patterns with varied aesthetics and predefined mechanical behavior, to use for the direct design of mechanical metamaterials. To assess the feasibility of our approach, we show a pair of fabricated 3D objects with different curvatures.

Elena Scandurra
Elena Scandurra
PhD Student
Francesco Laccone
Francesco Laccone
Researcher

Architectural Geometry

Luigi Malomo
Luigi Malomo
Researcher

Computational Fabrication

Marco Callieri
Marco Callieri
Senior Researcher

Digital Technologies for Cultural Heritage

Paolo Cignoni
Paolo Cignoni
Research Director
Daniela Giorgi
Daniela Giorgi
Senior Researcher

This is my bio