Defining relationships between geometry and behavior of bistable composite laminates

Bistability is exhibited by an object when it can be resting in two stable equilibrium states. Certain composite laminates exhibit bistability having curvatures of opposite sign with the axes curvature perpendicular to each other. These actuated from one state The actuation original post-cure shape second called as ‘snap-through’ and reverse ‘snap-back’. This phenomenon used applications for morphing structures, energy harvesting, other where there a conflicting requirement structure that load-carrying, light, shape-adaptable. MW Hyer first reported this his paper 1981. He found thin unsymmetric do not behave according predictions Classical Lamination Theory (CLT). CLT linear theory predicts saddle. developed non-linear method “Extended Theory” which accurately predicted laminate have cylindrical shapes. Since then, number researchers tried identify key parameters affecting behavior such laminates. Geometric stacking sequence, fibre orientation, cure cycle, boundary conditions, force actuation, all been studied. objective research define relation between length, width thickness square rectangular required achieve bistability. Using these relations, 36 × bistable fabricated 30 CFRP layers. Also, proved does lose increase aspect ratio, long both sides are above certain ‘critical length’. A dimensions 2 50 fabricated. Further, bistable, necessary able predict actuation. Therefore, allows us shapes, well known. Finite Element Analysis carry out numerical calculations, validated fabricating measured using profilometer recorded universal test set-up.