Authors: Brooklyn Clark
Mentors: Larry Howell
Insitution: Brigham Young University
The application of origami principles in mechanical design has led to novel approaches for dealing with the unique challenges of space applications by improving packing efficiency and increasing customizability. An innovative origami pattern within this context is the "flasher pattern," characterized by its geometric panels and circular deployment.
The objective of this research is to develop a robust methodology for optimizing the placement of circular optical wafers within the polygonal flasher panels. These panels have varying polygonal sizes and shapes, and the wafers must be placed precisely in each panel to maximize optical properties for a LIDAR space telescope application based on the flasher pattern.
This optimization utilizes existing optimization functions in MATLAB and original code. To achieve this optimization, a process is employed in which a series of random points is generated within the overlapping area defined by the flasher panel's vertices and the optical wafer's radius. Each point is then iteratively tested to determine if it lies within the polygon, the circle, neither, or both. The centroid of the points that were within both shapes is subsequently calculated. This process is repeated with new sets of random points centered on the previously found centroid until an optimal wafer placement is determined. Optimal wafer placement will maximize the usable optical area and performance in a panel. This process can then be applied for each unique panel in a flasher pattern to determine the best placement of each wafer. This process can then be utilized in other origami-based optical applications, leading to a broader impact in the field.