About

Evgueni Filipov is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan. He holds a PhD and MS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, obtained in 2016 and 2012 respectively, and a BS from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute earned in 2009. His research interests focus on deployable and reconfigurable structural systems, particularly folding and adaptable structures based on origami principles. These structures have practical applications across various scales and disciplines, including biomedical robotics and deployable architecture.

Research topics

• Computer science
• Structural engineering
• Materials science
• Mechanical engineering
• Engineering

Selected publications

• Three-Node Torsional Spring Element Formulation for the Analysis of Reconfigurable Bar-Linked Structures

  Journal of Applied Mechanics · 2026-01-12

  articleSenior author

  Abstract This technical note presents the derivation, validation, and application of a three-node torsional spring (3NTS) element for the analysis of bar-linked, reconfigurable structures. The 3NTS element assigns rotational stiffness to a joint (node) of two axial force members (bars) in truss-like assemblies. This element avoids the use of rotational degrees-of-freedom in the model by recasting its resisting moment into equivalent nodal forces, which are consistent with global equilibrium, thereby keeping the model size compact and computationally efficient. The 3NTS is integrated into standard nonlinear solvers to simulate large-displacement response and validated against analytical solutions of two benchmark examples: the simplest 3NTS structure and the buckling of a vertical column. We further apply the framework to a reconfigurable truss structure from our previous work to illustrate potential functional use cases and outline its broader applicability to metamaterials, kirigami systems, and biomechanical assemblies. An open-source matrix structural analysis tool implementing the 3NTS and axial force members is made available with this note.

  PublisherDOI

• Compact, Scan-Pattern-Switchable 2-D Piezoelectric MEMS Mirror With 1-D Addressable Scanning

  Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems · 2026-01-21

  articleOpen access

  chip) achieve a total mechanical scan angle (MSA) of 112° in slow axis resonance, including 11° of addressable static scan angle, and a total MSA of 15° excited at 3 kHz in the fast axis. A bar and hinge simulation model is introduced that accurately captures nonlinear dynamics. These capabilities are suitable for high frame rates in either Lissajous or raster scan patterns in microendoscope form factors, while static scan angle in bending enables significant 1D addressability.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Stiffness and buckling behavior of woven columns

  Mechanics Research Communications · 2026-04-23

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Woven shell structures are beneficial for applications requiring lightweight, damage resilience, and design tunability, such as in wearable devices, soft robotics, and aerospace systems. A fundamental component of woven structures is the woven column. While the mechanical properties of a woven column can be determined using sophisticated finite element (FE) simulations, these FE models are computationally expensive and do not explain the underlying mechanics behind scaling relationships. In this work, we derive purely analytical models for the buckling load and stiffness of woven columns, and discuss the criteria that lead to different buckling modes of the woven columns. The simulated results based on our models closely match experimental data across various weave design parameters. This work advances our understanding of the mechanics of woven systems and serves as a baseline for the design of next-generation hierarchical structures and materials. • Analytical models derived from geometric assumptions predict properties of woven columns. • Parametric experimental study of vertical and horizontal weave parameters supports the model. • Buckling modes established by experiment depend on horizontal to vertical weaver width ratio.

  PublisherDOI

• Self-locking non-volatile coding metasurfaces via origami-based mechanical bits

  Open MIND · 2026-01-27

  preprint

  Digital coding metasurfaces have revolutionized electromagnetic (EM) manipulation, yet typical tunable approaches based on active components suffer from the "volatility" bottleneck. While mechanical modulation provides a potential solution, current implementations generally lack inherent state-locking capability, rendering them vulnerable to environmental disturbances and actuation errors. Inspired by the concept of mechanical bits (MBs), this paper presents a self-locking non-volatile coding metasurface platform enabled by Kresling origami-based MBs, where the continuous mechanical deformation of individual meta-atoms is discretized into robust binary geometric states protected by intrinsic energy barriers. The bistable states are strictly mapped to 1-bit EM coding phases via tailored metallic patterns integrated onto a multimaterial 3D printed Kresling origami array. Building upon this concept, both transmission- and reflection-type prototypes are proposed and experimentally demonstrated, exhibiting exceptional wavefront manipulation capabilities through near-field holographic imaging and far-field beam steering. In addition, the lightweight origami unit (1.5 g) exhibits an exceptional load-bearing capacity, supporting over 100 times its own weight. These results bridge mechanical logic with EM information processing, establishing a universal physical paradigm for constructing low-power, highly robust coding metasurfaces resilient to extreme environments.

  DOI

• Self-locking non-volatile coding metasurfaces via origami-based mechanical bits

  ArXiv.org · 2026-01-27

  articleOpen access

  Digital coding metasurfaces have revolutionized electromagnetic (EM) manipulation, yet typical tunable approaches based on active components suffer from the "volatility" bottleneck. While mechanical modulation provides a potential solution, current implementations generally lack inherent state-locking capability, rendering them vulnerable to environmental disturbances and actuation errors. Inspired by the concept of mechanical bits (MBs), this paper presents a self-locking non-volatile coding metasurface platform enabled by Kresling origami-based MBs, where the continuous mechanical deformation of individual meta-atoms is discretized into robust binary geometric states protected by intrinsic energy barriers. The bistable states are strictly mapped to 1-bit EM coding phases via tailored metallic patterns integrated onto a multimaterial 3D printed Kresling origami array. Building upon this concept, both transmission- and reflection-type prototypes are proposed and experimentally demonstrated, exhibiting exceptional wavefront manipulation capabilities through near-field holographic imaging and far-field beam steering. In addition, the lightweight origami unit (1.5 g) exhibits an exceptional load-bearing capacity, supporting over 100 times its own weight. These results bridge mechanical logic with EM information processing, establishing a universal physical paradigm for constructing low-power, highly robust coding metasurfaces resilient to extreme environments.

  PublisherOA PDF

• Transforming static trusses into shape morphing systems using principles of quadrilateral linkages

  International Journal of Solids and Structures · 2026-02-28

  articleSenior authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• Corner topology makes woven baskets into stiff, yet resilient metamaterials

  Physical Review Research · 2025-06-28 · 3 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Basket weaving is a traditional craft used to create practical three-dimensional (3D) structures. While the geometry and aesthetics of baskets have received considerable attention, the underlying mechanics and modern engineering potential remain underexplored. This work shows that 3D woven structures offer similar stiffness yet substantially higher resilience than their nonwoven continuous counterparts. We explore corner topologies that serve as building blocks to convert two-dimensional woven sheets into 3D metamaterials that can carry compressive loads. Under small deformations, the woven corners exhibit axial stiffness similar to continuous structures because the woven ribbons are engaged with in-plane loads. Under large deformations, the woven corners can be compressed repeatedly without plastic damage because ribbons can undergo elastic local buckling. We present a modular platform to assemble woven corners into complex spatial metamaterials and demonstrate applications including damage-resilient robotic systems and metasurfaces with tailorable deformation modes. Our results explain the historic appeal of basket weaving, where readily available ribbons are crafted into 3D structures with comparable stiffness yet far superior resilience to continuous systems. The modular assembly of woven metamaterials can further revolutionize design of next-generation automotive components, consumer devices, soft robots, and more where both resilience and stiffness are essential.

  PublisherDOI

• Tailored Motion of Folded Ribbons: An Algorithmic Approach to Curved-Crease Origami

  SSRN Electronic Journal · 2025-01-01

  preprintOpen accessSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• Engineering snags for spatial curvature in weaves: Fabrication, mechanics, and inverse design

  ArXiv.org · 2025-08-08

  preprintOpen accessSenior author

  Weaving as an old craft has extensive applications in modern science and technology such as smart textiles and intelligent soft robots. However, weaving irregular curved surfaces has been difficult, with prior alternatives requiring curved ribbons and triaxial weaving patterns. In this work, we present a simple strategy to achieve complex spatial curvature by purposely introducing 'snags', a traditionally unwanted textile defect, into dense plain weaves consisting of straight ribbons assembled in a straightforward biaxial network. We detail the fabrication methodology where we pull out ribbons of initially smooth two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) plain weaves to form local snags. We show that these local defects cause global curvatures through the propagation of geometric frustration. We then use a reduced-order bar & hinge model to simulate the mechanics-guided deformation of snagged plain weaves, and we investigate how the curvature scales with system parameters such as the thickness and Young's modulus of the ribbons. Finally, we introduce an inverse design platform where an evolutionary algorithm is used to inversely compute the optimal snag patterns of smooth plain weaves to approximate arbitrary target surfaces including 2D and 3D woven exoskeletons that fit human legs and elbows, respectively. Engineering snags in plain weaves as a general strategy can pave the way for future design of customizable wearable devices, adaptive soft robots, reconfigurable architecture, and more.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Engineering snags for spatial curvature in weaves: fabrication, mechanics, and inverse design

  Soft Matter · 2025-01-01

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Weaving as an old craft has extensive applications in modern science and technology such as smart textiles and intelligent soft robots. However, weaving irregular curved surfaces has been difficult, with prior alternatives requiring curved ribbons and triaxial weaving patterns. In this work, we present a simple strategy to achieve complex spatial curvature by purposely introducing 'snags', a traditionally unwanted textile defect, into dense plain weaves consisting of straight ribbons assembled in a straightforward biaxial network. We detail the fabrication methodology where we pull out ribbons of initially smooth two-(2D) and three-dimensional (3D) plain weaves to form local snags. We show that these local defects cause global curvatures through the propagation of geometric frustration. We then use a reduced-order bar & hinge model to simulate the mechanics-guided deformation of snagged plain weaves, and we investigate how the curvature scales with system parameters such as the thickness and Young's modulus of the ribbons. Finally, we introduce an inverse design platform where an evolutionary algorithm is used to inversely compute the optimal snag patterns of smooth plain weaves to approximate arbitrary target surfaces including 2D and 3D woven exoskeletons that fit human legs and elbows, respectively. Engineering snags in plain weaves as a general strategy can pave the way for future design of customizable wearable devices, adaptive soft robots, reconfigurable architecture, and more.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Recent grants

• Origami for Dexterity in Miniature Manipulation and Testing

  NSF · $684k · 2021–2024

• CAREER: Large, Deployable and Adaptable Structures Through Origami Engineering

  NSF · $620k · 2020–2026

Frequent coauthors

• Zhu Yi

  University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

  15 shared

• Joshua S. Steelman

  10 shared

• Gláucio H. Paulino

  10 shared

• Jerome F. Hajjar

  Northeastern University

  9 shared

• James M. LaFave

  University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  9 shared

• Larry A. Fahnestock

  9 shared

• Zhongyuan Wo

  8 shared

• Tomohiro Tachi

  The University of Tokyo

  8 shared

Education

• Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering

  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  2016

• M.S., Civil and Environmental Engineering

  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  2012

• B.S., Civil and Environmental Engineering

  Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

  2009

Awards & honors

• 2025 Spring Awards Announcement