Abstract

The ability of certain shell structures to maintain stiffness under multiple geometries is both a topic with significant history and one of intense current research activity. Multistable shells have found everyday applications in the form of bistable switches and the common snap-bracelet. Recent work has shown the potential for further applications in fields as diverse as the aerospace industry and micro-optics. Similar principles however govern the movement of some biological structures, such as the snapping of the Venus Flytrap.

This presentation attempts to present the state of the art in this topic, and display some recent results within the Advanced Structures Group. A theoretical model, based on the uniform curvature assumption is used to specify the relevant parameters for multistability and allows us to conclude the full range of possible behaviour. This model also serves as a design tool for a novel tristable shell structure, manufactured with both weaved composites and uni-directional laminates. In conclusion, some early results on embedded and remote actuation of composite and elastomeric multistable shells are discussed.