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4D printing of wooden actuators: encoding FDM wooden filaments for architectural responsive skins

Rana El-Dabaa (Department of Architecture and Environmental Design, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport – Cairo Campus, Cairo, Egypt)
Islam Salem (Department of Architecture and Environmental Design, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport – Cairo Campus, Cairo, Egypt) (Architecture Department, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt)

Open House International

ISSN: 0168-2601

Article publication date: 16 July 2021

Issue publication date: 28 October 2021

327

Abstract

Purpose

Conventional motion mechanisms in adaptive skins require rigid kinematic mechanical systems that require sensors and actuation devices, hence impeding the adoption of zero-energy buildings. This paper aims to exploit wooden responsive actuators as a passive approach for adaptive facades with dynamic shading configurations. Wooden passive actuators are introduced as a passive responsive mechanism with zero-energy consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

The study encodes the embedded hygroscopic parameters of wood through 4D printing of wooden composites as a responsive wooden actuator. Several physical experiments focus on controlling the printed hygroscopic parameters based on the effect of 3D printing grain patterns and infill height on the wooden angle of curvature when exposed to variation in humidity. The printed hygroscopic parameters are applied on two types of wooden actuators with difference in the saturation percentage of wood in the wooden filaments specifically 20% and 40% for more control on the angle of curvature and response behavior.

Findings

The study presents the ability to print wooden grain patterns that result in single and double curved surfaces. Also, printing actuators with variation in infill height control each part of wooden actuator to response separately in a controlled passive behavior. The results show a passive programmed self-actuated mechanism that can enhance responsive façade design with zero-energy consumption through utilizing both material science and additive manufacturing mechanisms.

Originality/value

The study presents a set of controlled printed hygroscopic parameters that stretch the limits in controlling the response of printed wood to humidity instead of the typical natural properties of wood.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful for Professor Sherif Abdelmohsen for his continuous effort in developing this research project and his support and guidance in developing the paper. Also, the authors are indebted for the fund provided by Bartlett’s Fund for Science and Engineering Research Collaboration, a research project collaboration between Princeton University and American University in Cairo.

Citation

El-Dabaa, R. and Salem, I. (2021), "4D printing of wooden actuators: encoding FDM wooden filaments for architectural responsive skins", Open House International, Vol. 46 No. 3, pp. 376-390. https://doi.org/10.1108/OHI-02-2021-0028

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited

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