The use of bi-metals in architecture is relatively new and has always been used as the metallic sheet itself. This is a new approach to the already existing technology and know how. The bi-metals work in a similar manner to thermostatic materials. The approach was to use bi-metals in architecture in order to convert a temperature change (input) into mechanical displacement (output).

The use of the coil shaped bi-metal provides enough mechanical displacement to move much larger objects. On heating the bi-metal helps move the members which then return to their original location on being cooled. The product has the potential to grow as an industrial product based on the availability and manufacturing of the bi-metals of the appropriate scale. The expansion and contraction of the bi-metals could be used for numerous purposes such as roofing devices or shading devices and also facade treatments. The goal is to enhance the advantage the bi-metal posses and use it to create motion that would ease our daily life. The future uses could be temporary structures or deployable structures.

After a study of the bimetals as shown in phase 1

(http://legacy.iaacblog.com/maa2013-2014-digital-matter-intelligent-constructions/2014/04/bimetals/)

Other optimum geometries were tested

the scissors mechanism was then developed to form a ring that could expand and contract as shown in the video below:

This system was not a success since the force required to lift the structure against gravity was not equivalent to what the bi metal was able to provide.

Thus from this we developed a system of linear mechanism that would work in a similar manner using tracks in order to negate the gravitational force.

Various materials and an understanding of how they function were then tried.

The finally offered proposal was that of a façade system

The idea in this case was more to provide a system and mechanism which could be adapted to any context like in terms of structure members, roofs etc. The project is not a conclusion but an ongoing development that can evolve to be used with membranes, fabrics and also a Fresnel lens that would help concentrate the heat for it to perform better in a a passive manner.

The study aims to show the magnified effect that can be created by a much smaller element.

The making of the prototype and its functioning can be viewed in the link below :

The whole study revolves around the fact that metal expands on heating and contracts on cooling and those different metals have their own unique thermal coefficients of expansions.

Thesis Project

It was divided into various parameters that would define the bimetal that would be the best used to make the prototype.

 Parameters that affect would include: The metals used (m), The profile, Length (l), Width, Thickness Method of joinary

 Parameters the above would be weighed against would include: Time (t), Temperature (T), Displacement / Curvature (d)

Material Research

Thickness and metals used

Brass (B)

Stainless Steel (S)

Copper (C)

 These were tested in different thicknesses of 0.5, 0.2, 0.1 and it was understood that the thinner the material the more the deflection.

Material length

Test 1: 300cmm metal strip

Test 2: 70 mm metal strip

Test 3: 100 mm metal strip

Result: The 300mm bimetallic strip doesn’t show any significant movement; temperature range was from 80°C to 110°C. The 70mm strip shows significant deflection in 3sec and returned to its rest stage in 10sec.; temperature range was from 80°C to 110°C. The 100mm strip shows significant deflection in 3sec and returned to its rest stage in 10sec.; temperature range was from 80°C to 110°C.

Conclusion: The 300mm strip due to its length was not able to show significant bending that could be visually appreciated. The 70mm  bimetallic strip deflects by 5mm in the anticipated direction. The 100mm  bimetallic strip deflects by 5mm in the anticipated direction.

Profile

Coil versus earlier mentioned linear profile.

 Result: The coil begins to unwind as soon as the temperature increases; temperature range was from 30°C to 68°C. Time to unwind: 2 seconds. Time to recoil: 34 seconds. Initial distance 1mm. Final distance 3mm.

 Application

Based on the test conducted above the next steps involved are focused on how to translate theses smaller movement into much more larger and enhanced movements.

Also the system of materials that would be involved was considered as it can be derived from our previous tests the weight that the bimetal can carry is limited. Thus numerous secondary materials were tested in order to produce a combination of elements that would work in coordination with each other.

Geometry

Various geometries and systems were tested to understand the various control point staht would be generated, temperatures reuqired and also the movement generated.

Prototype

The prototype proposed here is that of a façade that can be controlled and regulated by the atmosphere as well as by artificial means to perform the function of opening and closing as per the required stimuli. Hence, each point of the façade can be controlled individually that would help evolve and transform the final form or structure of the same. Although, each element would have its own individual behavior, which in this case would be their reaction to the amount of heat that each of the bimetals would receive, they would collectively form the complete façade.

The future of this module has great architectural potential not only in terms of facades but also as structural elements in systems where much larger loads could be moved. The bimetals future need not be restricted to the open and close mechanism as proposed in our system but the mechanism could also lift objects and place them back, move other structures and much more as shown in the various tests conducted by us.

the further progress of this project can be seen in phase 2 :

(http://legacy.iaacblog.com/maa2013-2014-digital-matter-intelligent-constructions/2014/06/thermatrix_bimetals-phase-2/)

The material under investigation was the use of aerogel in the field of architecture as a potential structural and electrically conductive material specific to the construction industry.

Aerogel was chosen as it is currently used in the field of architecture for insulation and skylight purposes only. The vision was to use it for other purposes as well by enhancing its properties taking advantage of its open pore structure.

AEROGEL – AN OVERVIEW

The structure of aerogel enables us to add different components to it to help enhance and reduce specific properties found in the otherwise standard aerogels.

The properties of aerogel such as its light weight structure and its potential to carry loads are other features that inspired us to carry on this research.

OUR EXPERIMENTS:

As mentioned earlier due to its structure the material could be hacked at a molecular level and with the variations be used as different elements within the same structure.

Aerogel was prepared by an inhouse method in the following manner :

The aerogel properties could be changed at to stages : During the gel formation , During solvent Exchange

Both theses were tried to give the results as summarized below :

The overall results of the samples after a week were also examined :

Aerogel thus formed can be used in numerous ways in the field of architecture based on the requirement of the user.From the above we understand that although aerogel can be prepared avoiding the super-critical drying (requirement pf high pressure and temperature) the resultant aerogel is not that as desired, also due to cost effectiveness of the material and limitations in the resources available the research is currently suspended.