Origami, the practice of paper folding, has always been a means of beautifying animate objects through simplification. This practice has always been viewed as one that lacks potential and impact when it comes to academia and professional science. We would never expect for something as oversimplified as origami to be used in disciplines of science, however, the fact that it is governed by mathematical theory and design gives credence to its potential in the real world and what it encompasses. Thus, it never came close to being a part of the natural sciences until now. Lately we have become heavily reliant on origami to make manmade mechanisms more efficient in terms of spatial conservation and increased energy output.

Breakthroughs in design have already been implemented in major institutions and organizations. These implementations have already been proven to be promising, and NASA technologist, Vivek Dwivedi, is attempting to apply heat-shredding and conservations capabilities to three-dimensional designs of radiators with the purpose of improving efficacy in satellites. He is partnering with Brigham Young University, an institution that is primarily responsible for improving three-dimensional designs and folding patterns in order for heat conservation and shredding capabilities to be executed properly. Brigham Young University has already shown their expertise in three dimensional design inspired by the properties of origami. In February, they announced the creation of a deployable, ballistic barrier that is not only lightweight but also robust, as it was able to deflect ammunition of various sorts. The federal agents shadowing the product were also astounded by its revolutionary aspect and its implications for the safety of deputies.

The radical nature of origami does not end there. Major institutions have already compiled comprehensive papers that present the idea of self-folding origami via the application of heat, thereby fabricating structures with the concept of “shape-memory”. Although there have not been many uses to self-folding structures with the application of heat, the concept of incorporating seemingly unrelated fields has shown substantial results, and it is something to look out for in the next.


<Timothy J. Park Fairmont Preparatory Academy 11th Grade>