title: Modeling bistable behaviors in morphing structures through finite element simulations.
abstract: Bistable structures, exemplified by the Venus flytrap and slap bracelets, can transit between different configurations upon certain external stimulation. Here we study, through three-dimensional finite element simulations, the bistable behaviors in elastic plates in the absence of terminate loads, but with pre-strains in one (or both) of the two composite layers. Both the scenarios with and without a given geometric mis-orientation angle are investigated, the results of which are consistent with recent theoretical and experimental studies. This work can open ample venues for programmable designs of plant/shell structures with large deformations, with applications in designing bio-inspired robotics for biomedical research and morphing/deployable structures in aerospace engineering.
authors.affiliation: College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China Department of Mathematics and Physics, Fujian University of Technology, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, China.
authors.forename: Qiaohang
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: Huang
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.forename: Wenzhe
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Zi
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001698:Biomedical Engineering; D032701:Biomimetics; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004548:Elasticity; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D012371:Robotics; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
keywords: Bistability; biomimetic structures; elasticity theory; finite element analysis; geometric nonlinearity