Shape Programming for Narrow Ribbons of Nematic Elastomers

Journal: 

Journal of Elasticity

Date: 

2016

Authors: 

V. Agostiniani, A. DeSimone and K. Koumatos

Using the theory of Γ-convergence, we derive from three-dimensional elasticity new one-dimensional models for non-Euclidean elastic ribbons, i.e., ribbons exhibiting spontaneous curvature and twist. We apply the models to shape-selection problems for thin films of nematic elastomers with twist and splay-bend texture of the nematic director. For the former, we discuss the possibility of helicoid-like shapes as an alternative to spiral ribbons.