How shapable is a crumpled sheet of paper?
We crumpled a sheet of tissue paper (spacer sheet between US letter-sized transparency slides) into a tight wad and then re-opened it. To demonstrate its ability to mold to different shapes, we wrapped it around different objects and then removed the sheet from the mold and made a short video to show its three-dimensional shape.
Side of box
To show cylindrical curvature, we wrapped the sheet around the sides of a long, narrow box.
video
jar
To show positive Gaussian curvature, we wrapped the sheet around a small cardboard jar.
video
crossed boxes
To show negative Gaussian curvature, we wrapped the sheet around two crossed boxes to form a saddle shape.
video