A bistable helical structure based on composite tape-springs

Xu, Biao; Wang, Bing; Fancey, Kevin S.; Zhong, Shuncong; Zhao, Chenmin; Chen, Xiayu

Abstract

Conventional twistable structures use discrete parts articulated around a number of linkages. These allow only a limited degree of twisting angle, are low in storage ratio, heavy and complex in morphing mechanisms. Double-helix structures are commonly applied to induce twistable shape-changing capability for deployable structures, these being capable of large axial deformations where prestressed thin-shell composite flanges or strips are employed; however, their structural stabilities are susceptible to thermal effects, and suffer from non-zero Gaussian curvature deformation induced by prestressing of the precured flat strips. Here, we propose a novel
bistable helical structure, where zero Gaussian curvature deformation applies, and shows more stable and reliable morphing mechanics for a twistable structure to be engineered. This is achieved by exploiting bistable composite tape-spring (CTS) structures, where two CTS samples are pin-joined through spokes to formulate a helical structure. It is capable of large axial morphing, and stable in both the fully extended and twisted configurations, with adjustable storage ratio. A theoretical model was established to predict its bistability and a bespoke axial displacement rig was developed to investigate its non-linear morphing mechanisms in order to reveal the underlying fundamentals. These will facilitate torsional structural design for aerospace deployable structures.

Citation

Xu, B., Wang, B., Fancey, K. S., Zhong, S., Zhao, C., & Chen, X. (2023). A bistable helical structure based on composite tape-springs. Composites Communications, 43, Article 101723. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coco.2023.101723

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 7, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Sep 9, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023-11
• Deposit Date: Sep 15, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 10, 2024
• Journal: Composites Communications
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 43
• Article Number: 101723
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coco.2023.101723
• Keywords: Bistable; Helicalstructure; Composite; Tape-spring
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4388005
• Additional Information: This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: A bistable helical structure based on composite tape-springs; Journal Title: Composites Communications; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coco.2023.101723; Content Type: article; Copyright: © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.