Kinetic Lattice

The backbone of this project is a kinetic material system actuated by shape-memory alloy (SMA) springs. The material system is developed both as a physical and digital prototype. Its behavior is examined at a physical level, and the findings are used to digitally simulate the behavior of the larger system. The system utilizes a lattice structure and its structural behavior. It relies on the elastic deformation of the constituent members, which allows the forces of bending to be distributed along a wider region of the surface. The system becomes kinetic when the SMA spring actuators are activated. Activation of the springs introduces tension into the lattice members, which causes a change in the geometry of the lattice cells. The result of this is bending of the wider region of the surface. The lattice can be actuated in the lower or upper zones. Depending on the zone of actuation, the lattice deforms and moves upwards or downwards. The contraction of the SMA spring produces a tension in the middle layer of the lattice, which manifests through the deformation of the cell structure, bending an entire region of the lattice. Strategic placement of the actuators across the lattice produces an accumulated bending effect and deforms the entire surface.

| Design Principal: Vera Parlac |

| Research Assistant:  Matt Parker |

| Calgary, Alberta | Exhibited at the Building Dynamics Exhibition, Banff Center 2013 |

| Design Research | 2013-2016 |Supported by University of Calgary Seed Grant |