Polytechnique engineers design low-cost, Japanese kirigami

MONTREAL - Researchers at Polytechnique Montreal have created a concept for a parachute inspired by the Japanese art of kirigami, one that engineers hope could be used in everything from humanitarian airdrops to scientific exploration.

The innovative project, which earned the researchers an article in the science journal "Nature," published this week, demonstrates the new possibilities of a traditional art form, said Frédérick Gosselin, who alongside colleague David Mélançon led the work.

Kirigami is a Japanese art of folding and cutting paper to create three-dimensional designs.

"So you probably made snowflakes with your kids around Christmas — you fold paper, you cut it, and when you unfold it, you get this pattern," said Gosselin, a professor of mechanical engineering at Polytechniqu