Lace is the inspiration for these reconfigurable materials

Researchers were able to describe the mathematics that underlie many forms that can be created from thin strips of flexible material. The techniques could assist to form materials that change shape to improve performance as conditions change. Authors are Sigrid Adriaenssens, Lauren Dreier and Tian Yu of Princeton Engineering, and co-authors include Stefana Parascho, of the Princeton School of Architecture; Stefano Gabriele, of Roma Tre University; Francesco Marmo, of the University of Naples Federico II. Support for the project was provided in part by the Princeton School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Project X Fund and The Council for International Teaching and Research.