Analytical Modeling of Bistable Beam With Double-Ring-Shaped Deformation Element

Abstract

The field of negative stiffness structures has recently seen an increase in attention as a result of advancements in additive manufacturing (AM) technology. These advancements have made it possible to produce materials in a more expedient manner. The purpose of this research is to demonstrate a highly tunable and reusable bistable beam design that is based on a double-ring-shaped deformation element that undergoes pure bending, unlike traditional bistable mechanisms with buckling-based deformation elements. Further, an analytical model is developed and then validated by means of experimental and numerical results to precisely predict the snap-through behavior of a beam. It has been shown that the analytical model that was proposed has accuracy in terms of foreseeing the snap-through transition. A detailed study is conducted to explore the influence of geometric parameters on the snap-through characteristics. By carefully modifying these geometric properties, the required mechanical behavior of negative stiffness metamaterial (NSM) may be achieved for specific applications.