First Prize in Science Popularization Competition

On April 24, the first "University-Middle School" Final Competition for Innovation in Science Popularization in Tianjin was held at Nankai University. Two students from Tianjin University, Lv Wei, a 2020 doctoral candidate and Wei Zhibo, a master student won the first prize in the group of science popularization and explanation ) under the instruction of Professor Chen Yan from TJU’s School of Mechanical Engineering.

It is reported that the competition aims to improve national scientific awareness and literacy, stimulate the vitality of innovation and entrepreneurship of the whole society, create a sound atmosphere for innovation, encourage young teachers and students to be innovative and creative. The contestants are expected to popularize scientific and technological knowledge, spread scientific ideas, and carry forward the scientific spirit to boost innovation in science popularization.

The competition attracted nearly 1,400 teams from more than 140 universities and middle schools in Tianjin to attend with 52 first prize winners, 106 second prize winners and 194 third prize winners.

The work Lv Wei and Wei Zhibo presented is about the application of Origami of Thick Panels Theory in space exploration. The theory was first proposed by Professor Chen Yan from the Mobile Structure Laboratory

There are many components of satellites, spacecrafts, space stations and other space facilities that need to be sent into space by carrier rockets. However, due to the limited loading space, it is necessary for scientists to consider how to make good use of the precious loading space to accommodate as many components as possible.

“Using the Origami of Thick Panels Theory , we can fold the solar panels with large expansion areas tightly before launching, and then unfold them after entering the space orbit. With the further development of the aviation industry, it is very possible to establish a lunar base or even a Mars base in the future. If the origami technology can be applied here, that is to say, the building can be launched into space in the folded state and unfolded in space, then a lot of resources can also be saved.” said Lv during the competition.

For Lv Wei and Wei Zhibo, they hoped to spread the existing esoteric knowledge in simple language through the competition and thus “ to improve the scientific literacy of the public, serve the all-round development of human beings, and promote the creation of a good atmosphere for science in the whole society to build China into an innovation-oriented country”.

By the School of Mechanical Engineering

Editor: Yang Fan & Eva Yin