2017.07.04:  A computational method for interactive 3D design and rationalisation of surfaces via auxetic materials 

Bailin Deng

Précis: Dr. Bailin Deng presented a computational method for interactive 3D design and rationalisation of surfaces via auxetic materials, i.e. flat flexible materials that can stretch uniformly up to a certain extent. A key motivation for studying such material is that one can approximate doubly-curved surfaces (such as the sphere) using only flat pieces, making it attractive for fabrication. Dr. Bailin Deng has physically realised surfaces by introducing cuts into approximately inextensible material such as sheet metal, plastic, or leather. The cutting pattern is modelled as a regular triangular linkage that yields hexagonal openings of spatially-varying radius when stretched. In the same way that isometry is fundamental to modelling developable surfaces, his research leverages conformal geometry to understand auxetic design.

About: Dr. Bailin Deng is a lecturer at the School of Computer Science and Informatics, and a member of the Visual Computing Research Group. He works on digital design tools and shape optimisation techniques that facilitate manufacturing, with applications such as freeform architectural design and digital fabrication. More information can be found on his personal webpage.

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