Recently, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) announced the projects funded under the 2024 NSFC Youth Basic Research Program for PhD Students. Chai Sibo, a PhD student at MSL since 2021, has received approval for the NSFC PhD Project for his research titled "Study on the Pattern Design and Deformation Characteristics of Curved-Surface Origami Structures." His supervisor is Prof. Ma Jiayao from Tianjin University.
         This project tackles the challenge of the lack of systematic design and deformation analysis methods for curved-surface origami structures. It focuses on developing a geometric model for folding behavior that combines the curvature transformation of curved surfaces with compatibility analysis for curved creases. Furthermore, it aims to uncover the cooperative deformation mechanisms of panels and creases, as well as the strain distribution. The project also explores an actuation method based on smart materials, enabling panel deformation to dominate. Ultimately, the goal is to establish systematic design and actuation methods for curved-surface origami structures that exhibit both high deployable ratios and low local strain.

         Sibo Chai, a Ph.D. student since 2021, focuses his research on curved-crease origami structures. He has published five papers as the first or co-first author in SCI journals, including Advanced Science, JMPS, and IJMS, and holds three applied or authorized invention patents. He has received several awards, such as the “Best Poster Content” award at the 2024 SES Annual Technical Meeting, the “Excellent Poster Award” at the International Symposium on Structures and Materials Inspired by Origami (2023 SAMIO), and the “Top Ten Technology Frontier Poster” award at the 2nd National Metamaterials Conference in China.