Many congratulations to Shixi Zang for completing his PhD study in Tianjin University and passing the doctoral dissertation defense on Apr. 28, 2022.

       Shixi Zang has been engaged in the study on geometric design rules and property programming approaches of origami structures in Motion Structure Laboratory since September 2016. She proposed a theoretical model of the non-rigid square-twist type 2 unit by building an equivalent rigid pattern with an additional virtual crease, which successfully reveals programmable mechanical properties by tuning geometrical parameters and material stiffness. For the non-rigid square-twist type 1 unit that exhibits complex deformation, she proposed an empirical model by combining biaxial tension experiments and finite element modeling that can unveil the three-stage deformation process, including tightening, unlocking, and flattening, and offer accurately predicting of mechanical properties and programmability. According to the analysis of units’ mechanical behaviors, she further studied the tessellation of units with different types and geometric parameters and create tessellated and graded metamaterials. The programmability of metamaterials was achieved by establishing the relationship between the mechanical properties and the types, proportions, geometric and material parameters of the units. With these achievements, she has published three journal papers and one conference paper.