Multi-Stable Morphing Cellular Structures
Abstract
The first couple of years of the project focused primarily on three distinct areas. First, on experiments and numerical models toward a fundamental understanding of snap-through behavior of cosine arches. Second, on a demonstration of use of bi-stable elements in chord morphing applications. And third, on modeling an experiments focusing on the actuation of bi-stable von-Mises trusses using Shape Memory Alloys. Over the final phase, the project has focused on two specific areas. On the application side, a design of a span morphing system using bi-stable elements was developed, and demonstrated in an experiment. Furthermore, pneumatic artificial muscles were integrated in the unit cell of the cellular lattice for the purpose of modulus variation in one principle direction or another. Through analysis and experiment, the best unit cell geometric parameters that produced the largest change in modulus were identified. It was shown that maximum increase in modulus could be achieved by pressurizing either of the orthogonal muscle sets, rather than all the muscles simultaneously. The difference in mechanism by which modulus change was realized when pressurizing one set of muscles, or the orthogonal set, were identified.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 14, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1013292
Entities
People
- Dennis K. Mclaughlin
- Farhan Gandhi
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute