Design for energy absorption using snap-through bistable metamaterials

• Published in: Mechanics based design of structures and machines Vol. 51; no. 3; pp. 1368 - 1386
• Main Authors: Montalbano, Andrew, Fadel, Georges M., Li, Gang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 04.03.2023
• Subjects: Finite element models; stability (buckling/postbuckling); structural optimization
• ISSN: 1539-7734; 1539-7742
• DOI: 10.1080/15397734.2020.1867167

Hysteretic energy loss occurs in bistable curved beams when they undergo back-and-forth snap-throughs due to cyclic loading. While numerical models and simulations can be employed to calculate the energy loss for a given curve beam or system, the effect of design parameters of the beams on the energy loss behavior remains largely implicit in the calculation. In this work, by using a high-order numerical model and finite element simulations, a surrogate model is developed to reveal the relationship between the energy loss and the design parameters of the bistable beams. The surrogate model is then used to obtain optimal designs of several types of bistable beam systems for maximum energy loss. It is used to obtain optimal dimensions of single beam systems, and calculate the optimal dimension scaling and tessellation in metamaterials tessellated with a uniform mesh of bistable beams. Combined with a maximum stress model, the surrogate model also provides the relationship between the energy loss density and material properties, which enables material selection for maximum energy loss. The results obtained from the surrogate model are in good agreement with existing theories and finite element analysis.