Achieving tunable stiffness capacity in bi-stable composites via thin metal hybridization

Bi-stable composite structures, known for their adaptive functionality and ability to deform between two stable states, are widely used in intelligent structures and aerospace applications. Traditionally, the configuration of such structures is controlled by adjusting layer thickness and orientation. However, increasing the thickness can make it more difficult to switch between states. This paper proposes a thin-metal hybridization strategy to control bi-stable behavior via interfacial stress engineering. By strategically positioning these metal (three typical layers), the study demonstrates effective control over both the structural configuration and stiffness capacity. Additionally, without altering the overall dimensions, mass, or thickness, the configuration and snap-though and snap-back behavior can also be influenced by the initial diameter of the shell. The addition of metal layers increases the thickness by only 9%, yet it significantly enhances the control performance. The findings of this research hold considerable application value for the design of intelligent structures and aerospace components based on bi-stable composites.