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    Active Research Areas:

  • Structural Optimisation

  • Origami-inspired Engineering

  • Large Elastic Bending

  • Mechanical Metamaterials

  • Computational Geometries

  • Deployable Structures

  • Lightweight/modular Constructions

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Structural Optimisation: The performance of a structure usually depends on its geometry (shape, size, and topology), material properties, support conditions, and load conditions. My research includes developing optimization algorithms to automatically modify these ingredients to achieve specific objectives (e.g., stiffness maximization) while satisfying certain constraints, thereby maximizing the structural efficiency.

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Origami-inspired Engineering : Origami-inspired structures are popular, as the use of folding technique imparts sheet materials with many interesting and useful performance characteristics. These include deployability, static load-carrying capability, and aesthetics. A range of sheet materials is suitable for folding, such as timber, metal, plastic, and composite sheets. These materials can incorporate diverse origami patterns for generating interesting applications.

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Large Elastic Bending: Many of my research projects are based on the fundamental theory of elastic bending mechanics (i.e., the elastica theory). I explore many interesting engineering applications that consider minimum elastic bending energy, such as curved-crease origami, bending-active structures, and tube buckling. Application of my new theory includes modelling of target bent forms, simulation of compliant motion behaviours and accurate response of physical phenomena.

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Mechanical Metamaterials: Mechanical metamaterials allow new properties to be artificially engineered. This fascinating ability has led to a new generation of adaptive materials and devices, with novel mechanical behaviours including tunable and graded structural stiffness, programmable deformations, negative Poisson’s ratio, and multistability. My research includes designing a variety of interesting and useful programmable metamaterials.  

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Computational Geometries: In recent years, the adoption of complex curved surfaces has rapidly increased in modern constructions due to their striking shapes and the development of computer-aided design technology. My research aims to use parametric modelling techniques to systematically and conveniently generate complex, elegant shapes and forms for architectural applications.  

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Deployable Structures: Deployable structures are able to transform their shape and size to achieve specific design objectives. This property has led to a number of interesting applications in both engineering and architecture. My research combines sheet folding techniques with large elastic bending to expand the critical benefits of lightweight, high-speed, and economical constructions.   

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Lightweight/modular Construction: I use computational methods and digital technologies to design lightweight/modular constructions. My research aims to realise complex curved surfaces considering inexpensive construction techniques based on the use of sheet materials. I also use optimization methods to reduce the number of different building elements to avoid extensive customisation, thereby reducing the construction cost. 

©2022 by Ting-Uei (Jeff) Lee.

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