A novel design method of bistable structures with required snap-through properties

To simplify the design process characterized by complex computation and repeated tests for pre-compressed bistable structures, a novel method is proposed for quickly designing bistable structures with required snap-through properties. The bistable structures are pre-compressed arch-shaped beams with local reinforcements, which are formed through axially compressing the corresponded straight beams into post-buckling states. The post-buckling shape, inertial stress state and the required snap-through properties such as the snapping force, the maintaining force and the snapping distance, can be well controlled by adjusting the control parameters including the position and dimensions of local reinforcements and the compressed length of the beam. Based on the finite element method, the relationship between the snap-through properties and the control parameters is numerically analyzed. Furthermore, the model spectrum describing the variation of snap-through properties with control parameters is delineated. By traversing the model spectrum, all design schemes can be obtained for achieving desired bistable properties, which greatly enlarges the design domain for pre-compressed bistable structures. A design example is provided to illustrate the utility of the method of designing a bistable structure with required snap-through properties. Meanwhile, the manufacturability of the designed bistable structure is taken into account. The experimental results show that the measured snap-through properties are in good agreement with the design objectives, which sufficiently validates the effectiveness of the proposed design method.