Abstract:

Free folding of flat textiles can be determined using elastica for the same shape, loads and folding conditions across the product. The paper presents a general theory concerning shape determination of coplanar elastica subjected to static bending by means of  displacements. The displacements are described by the coordinates of points of initially unbending elastica and the  loads imposed. The physical behavior of elastica is described using some simplifications by both physical and mathematical models. The mathematical model can be discussed using a solution of six nonlinear differential equations with  appropriate boundary conditions. Three relationships are the equations of equilibrium, and the other describes the displacements along the particular axis, the change in curvature and the physical law.