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Snap-through behaviour of a bistable structure based on viscoelastically generated prestress

Wang, Bing; Ge, Chao; Fancey, Kevin S.

Authors

Bing Wang

Chao Ge



Abstract

A novel form of shape-changing bistable structure has been successfully developed through the use of viscoelastically generated prestress. Bistability is achieved through pairs of deflecting viscoelastically prestressed polymeric matrix composite (VPPMC) strips, which are orientated to give opposing cylindrical configurations within a thin, flexible resin-impregnated fibreglass sheet. This arrangement enables the structure to ‘snap through’ between one of two states by external stimulation. Deflection from the VPPMC strips occurs through compressive stresses generated from the non-uniform spatial distribution of nylon 6,6 fibres undergoing viscoelastic recovery. In this study, snap-through behaviour of the bistable structure is investigated both experimentally and through finite element (FE) analysis. By using experimental results to calibrate FE parameter values, the modelling has facilitated investigation into the development of bistability and the influence of modulus ratio (fibreglass sheet: VPPMC strip) on the snap-through characteristics. Experimental results and FE simulation show good agreement with regard to snap-through behaviour of the bistable structure and from this, the bistability mechanisms are discussed.

Citation

Wang, B., Ge, C., & Fancey, K. S. (2017). Snap-through behaviour of a bistable structure based on viscoelastically generated prestress. Composites. Part B, Engineering, 114, 23-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2017.01.069

Acceptance Date Jan 8, 2017
Online Publication Date Feb 4, 2017
Publication Date Apr 1, 2017
Deposit Date Feb 8, 2017
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Composites. Part B, Engineering
Print ISSN 1359-8368
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 114
Pages 23-33
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2017.01.069
Keywords Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs); Residual/internal stress; Finite element analysis (FEA); Mechanical testing; Bistable (snap-through) structure
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/447938
Publisher URL http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359836816317309
Additional Information Authors' accepted manuscript of article published in: Composites. Part B, Engineering, 2017, v.114.

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