Influence of material stretchability on the equilibrium shape of a Möbius band

Abstract

We use a two-dimensional discrete, lattice-based model to show that Möbius bands made with stretchable materials are less likely to crease or tear. This stems from a delocalization of twisting strain that occurs if stretching is allowed. The associated low-energy configurations provide strategic target shapes for the guided assembly of nanometer and micron scale Möbius bands. To predict macroscopic band shapes for a given material, we establish a connection between stretchability and relevant continuum moduli, leading to insight regarding the practical feasibility of synthesizing Möbius bands from materials with continuum parameters that can be measured experimentally or estimated by upscale averaging.