Ori-kirigami modules for constructing multistable systems and deployable engineering structures

Ori-kirigami structures provide a versatile platform for designing deployable structures and multistable systems. Waterbomb origami, as a classic crease pattern, has been widely applied in mechanical metamaterials and deployable structures due to its novel mechanical properties, such as multistability and flat foldability. This paper develops a multiwaterbomb unit based on the waterbomb crease pattern, constructing two flat-foldable modules, a rectangular module, and a hexagonal module. Furthermore, four distinct multiwaterbomb units with different numbers of creases are generalized. The unique kinematic and mechanical properties of these units are investigated, and their potential applications as metamaterials featuring negative stiffness, hysteresis effects are explored. By axially stacking modules and introducing slits, two types of ori-kirigami tubes are constructed. Spatial arrangement of these tubes enables the creation of periodic mechanical metamaterials. Then, the incorporation of hyperelastic materials within slits of adjacent modules enables multistable configurations, with theoretical validation conducted via the Yeoh constitutive model. Finally, based on the rectangular module, a deployable modular beam with uniform thickness is developed. Unlike traditional ori-kirigami-inspired deployable mechanisms in which modifying one parameter often affects others, this beam allows independent tuning of cross-sectional dimensions without influencing other parameters, demonstrating superior engineering adaptability and spatial efficiency.