  Three dimensional (3D) structures composed of planar surfaces can be build
out of accessible materials using easier fabrication technique with shorter
fabrication time. To better design 3D structures with planar surfaces,
realistic models are required to understand and evaluate mechanical behaviors.
Existing design tools are either effort-consuming (e.g. finite element
analysis) or bounded by assumptions (e.g. numerical solutions). In this
project, We have built a computational design tool that is (1) capable of
rapidly and inexpensively evaluating planar surfaces in 3D structures, with
sufficient computational efficiency and accuracy; (2) applicable to complex
boundary conditions and loading conditions, both isotropic materials and
orthotropic materials; and (3) suitable for rapid accommodation when design
parameters need to be adjusted. We demonstrate the efficiency and necessity of
this design tool by evaluating a glass table as well as a wood bookcase, and
iteratively designing an origami gripper to satisfy performance requirements.
This design tool gives non-expert users as well as engineers a simple and
effective modus operandi in structural design.
