On the cross-well dynamics of a bi-stable composite plate

• Published in: Journal of sound and vibration Vol. 330; no. 14; pp. 3424 - 3441
• Main Authors: Arrieta, Andres F., Neild, Simon A., Wagg, David J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 04.07.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Buckling; Dynamic tests; Dynamics; Exact sciences and technology; Focusing; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Mathematical models; Morphing; Oscillations; Physics; Plates (structural members); Solid mechanics; Static elasticity (thermoelasticity...); Strategy; Structural and continuum mechanics; Static characteristic; Chaos; Geometrical shape; Variable geometry; Focusing; Non linear effect; Experimental study; Buckling; Modeling; Composite material; Bistability; Dynamic load
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsv.2011.02.006
• ISSN: 0022-460X

Multi-stable composites are a novel type of composites capable of adopting multiple statically stable configurations. Due to the multi-stability property this type of composite material has been considered for several applications, particularly for morphing structures. The change of shape between stable states is achieved by a nonlinear mechanism known as snap-through. Most of the research done on these composites has focused on predicting the configuration after manufacture, its static characteristics and static actuation strategies to induce snap-through. However, these structures will operate subject to dynamic loads. Yet, very little work has been carried out to examine the dynamic behaviour of bi-stable composites. This paper focuses on the study of the cross-well dynamics of a bi-stable composite plate. A simple model previously derived for the dynamics confined to a single stable state is extended to include cross-well dynamics. The rich dynamics are experimentally investigated, focusing on cross-well oscillations and the key dynamic features of snap-through. Numerical simulations are obtained and compared to the experimental results showing good agreement. In particular, experimentally observed characteristics suggesting chaotic oscillations for cross-well dynamics are captured well by the proposed model. The results herein could be used for implementing control strategies for both configuration morphing and undesired snap-through suppression of bi-stable composites.