Rotational snap-through behavior of multi-stable beam-type metastructures

Abstract Metastructures consisting of planar arrangements bi-stable snap-through beams are able to exhibit multiple stable configurations. Apart from the expected translational state transition, when all beam elements snap through, rotational states may exist as well. In this paper we explore properties multi-stable metastructures on basis both experimental and theoretical investigations, define conditions for achieving states. Results show that metastructure is realize states, while transitions require less energy compared their counterparts. The influence geometric parameters stability investigated via parametric studies. Furthermore, determine design criteria stability, a investigation based mode superposition principle performed predict nonlinear-deformation unit cell. analysis predicts well observed in finite element simulations. It found determined by setting proper values h/L t/L (h, t, L represent apex height, thickness span structure, respectively). Finally, experimentally demonstrate proposed with layers achieve large rotations translations.