Chinese lantern structure can shift shapes

Shapes the polymer object can snap into. Pic Courtesy/Yaoye Hong/NC State University

Researchers have created a polymer "Chinese lantern" that can snap into over a dozen curved, three-dimensional shapes by compressing or twisting the original structure. This rapid shape-shifting behaviour can be controlled remotely using a magnetic field.

The basic lantern object is made by cutting a polymer sheet into a diamond-like parallelogram shape, then cutting a row of parallel lines across the centre of each sheet.

This creates a row of identical ribbons connected by a solid strip of material at the top and bottom of the sheet. By connecting the left and right ends it roughly spherical Chinese lantern. If one compresses the structure, it will slowly snap into a new shape.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever