Computational design of fabric formwork

Journal article (2019)

Authors

Xiaoting Zhang Boston University
G. Fang Materials and Manufacturing - IDE
Melina Skouras Université Grenoble Alpes
G.G. Gieseler Materials and Manufacturing - IDE
C.C. Wang Chinese University of Hong Kong
Emily Whiting Boston University
Research Group
Materials and Manufacturing (IDE) (TU Delft)
Casting Computational design Shape optimization Fabrication Fabric formwork
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Published Date

2019

Language

English

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Faculty

Industrial Design Engineering

Department

Sustainable Design Engineering

Research Group

Materials and Manufacturing

Abstract

We present an inverse design tool for fabric formwork – a process where flat panels are sewn together to form a fabric container for casting a plaster sculpture. Compared to 3D printing techniques, the benefit of fabric formwork is its properties of low-cost and easy transport. The process of fabric formwork is akin to molding and casting but having a soft boundary. Deformation of the fabric container is governed by force equilibrium between the pressure forces from liquid fill and tension in the stretched fabric. The final result of fabrication depends on the shapes of the flat panels, the fabrication orientation and the placement of external supports. Our computational framework generates optimized flat panels and fabrication orientation with reference to a target shape, and determines effective locations for external supports. We demonstrate the function of this design tool on a variety of models with different shapes and topology. Physical fabrication is also demonstrated to validate our approach.