Actuated Bistable Jumping Structures

Abstract

The design and analysis of a fully actuated adaptive bistable structure is presented. This structure releases energy at a high frequency, which in consequence causes it to jump. Such structures have application as the basis for multistable adaptive systems. The dynamic transition of the bistable structure from its high-energy to low-energy stable states and the lower-frequency return transition are considered by reference to a specific example. The effect of embedded actuation on this behavior is also investigated.