Optimizing shape transition in morphing shells

Research on continuum body morphing advances form-finding and shape optimization, providing a strategy for adapting lightweight shell structures. A key challenge is achieving efficient shape transitions without external forces, by manipulating the intrinsic geometric properties of the shape. Previous studies investigated shape transformations driven by non-uniform but isotropic strain fields, induced by local metric changes on a flat domain. This approach enables smooth configurations that satisfy a constant curvature requirement. However, when the prescribed metric is incompatible, the target shape becomes unachievable. This work presents an optimization-based strategy using COMSOL Multiphysics’ optimization tool to overcome such limitations. Rather than prescribing a potentially incompatible target metric, we define a target shape and determine the closest feasible configuration. This approach minimizes the distance between the target and the current configuration by optimizing the parameters of the anelastic distortion field governing the process. Implementing this method within a nonlinear shell morphing framework extends prior analyses to cases where direct metric assignment fails. The results provide insights into optimization's role in controlling shell configurations, with potential engineering and architectural applications where geometric constraints influence form-finding and fabrication.