The Special Structures Group, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, works on design and realisation of novel unconventional structures capable of large shape changes

The special structures group, led by Professor Zhong You, works on design and realisation of novel unconventional structures capable of large shape changes. We are particularly interested in the underlying principles governing large geometrical transformations of these structures and their associated structural properties. The application areas where our work has had its greatest impact include: retractable roofs, space antennas, energy absorbing structures, origami structures and foldable medical devices delivered via minimum invasive surgery.