Publication

Modeling through self-assembly

AbstractIn this paper we explore a new paradigm for modeling geometric structures through self-assembly. This approach is inspired by the new emerging field of nano-technologies. At the very small nano-scales the laws of physics are different from the ones at the scales we are used to in daily life. Gravity is negligible and Brownian motion induced by heat is a crucial factor. In fact the latter provides the vital force that drives the process of creating new shapes at nano-scales: heat induced noise makes it possible for programmed DNA chains with free bonds to form and create shapes by bonding with other strands. The key challenge is how to program the DNA strands to create specific shapes. In this paper we introduce some concepts of this exciting new area of research and describe a couple of concrete self-assembly modeling examples. The goal of this paper really is two-fold: (1) to show an illustration of self-assembly at work in an appealing way using computer graphics and (2) to bring this exciting field to the attention of researchers in other fields.

Download publication

Related Resources

See what’s new.

Publication

2013

Design Tools for the Rest of Us: Maker Hardware Requires Maker Software

In our own work, we are developing and applying a system which…

Publication

2012

Understanding Analogical Reasoning in Biomimetic Design: An Inductive Approach

This paper reports insights gained from observing groups of novice…

Publication

2021

Design guidelines for laser powder bed fusion in Inconel 718

Additive manufacturing (AM) has been leveraged across various…

Project

2014

Multi-touch

An investigation of new user interface designs and interaction…

Get in touch

Something pique your interest? Get in touch if you’d like to learn more about Autodesk Research, our projects, people, and potential collaboration opportunities.

Contact us