Bistable composites have created much attention in engineering applications because of its ability to sustain two stable shapes. A systematic layup of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) causes bistability in a lamina. The transition from one stable shape to another is occurred by snap-through and snap-back process. Due to their adaptive nature a lot of study has been conducted on a 2D laminate for over the past 30 years. However, fabrication of a 3D model that exhibits bistability is yet to be explored. In this research we fabricated a 3D bistable composite structure having two parallel cross-ply square laminates connected by a rigid tab at one edge. This entire structure exhibits bistability with the two laminates being individually bistable thus achieving four independent stable shapes. To understand the bistable behavior and predict the degree of curvature and the snap through response a solid FEA model is numerically analyzed using ABAQUS^TM^.  To validate the simulation results a universal test set-up is desired to be used to record the actuation force, and a profilometer to record the curvature of each laminate in each stable state. In this research we also aim to put together an analytical model of this 3D laminate structure. Successful fabrication and mathematical analysis of our 3D model using carbon fiber reinforced polymer will hopefully inspire additive manufacturing of bistable composite structure that will lead to more complicated design of bistable materials with more morphing characteristics.


Fabrication of a 3D Bistable Composite

Division / Sponsors: 
Aerospace Division

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/SMASIS/SMASIS2020/volume/84027

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