A unified geometric framework for axisymmetric thin sheet buckling

Abstract: Thin sheets that are forced at their boundaries develop a variety of shapes aimed at minimising elastic energy by curving spontaneously in ways that break the symmetry of the sheet and the forcing. Characterising such buckling generally requires detailed analysis. Here, we follow a complementary approach, applicable to axisymmetric systems. It aims to predict the qualitative nature of any buckling using only the simple axisymmetric geometry of the initial system. We view an axisymmetric deformation according to the displacement it imposes on the radial lines making up the sheet. Thus, e.g., in-plane tensile loads on a disk-shaped annulus move radial lines along their length. Any compressional strain present in this deformed state then implies symmetry-breaking buckling out of the original plane. Using only these radial motions, we account for the buckling predicted by more detailed analysis: axial wrinkling confined to the inner part of the annulus. A second type of imposed deformation on radial lines is motion normal to the sheet. Considering the strains induced by rotating these lines through some common angle $\alpha$, one may similarly account for both the buckling of d-cones and that of curved creases. Our framework thus unifies three previously unconnected buckled shapes.