Dynamic Control of Cantilever Bistable Composites: Theory and Experiment

Abstract

Bistable composite laminates, capable of maintaining two stable configurations without continuous energy input, are promising candidates for morphing aerospace structures. This study investigates the nonlinear dynamic behavior of cantilevered bistable composite plates and proposes a resonance-based actuation strategy for efficient configuration switching. A nonlinear dynamic model is developed based on Hamilton’s principle and the Rayleigh–Ritz method to accurately model nonlinear dynamic behavior of bistable plates. The dynamic characteristics under varying excitation amplitudes are analyzed through bifurcation diagrams, time histories, phase portraits, and Poincaré maps, revealing the evolution from periodic oscillations to period-doubling bifurcations, chaotic motion, and eventually snap-through. As the excitation frequency approaches the modal frequency, the vibration amplitude increases significantly. When the excitation amplitude exceeds a critical threshold, snap-through occurs, accompanied by the structure switching from one stable state to another. The theoretical predictions show good agreement with the experimental observations. The proposed resonance-based strategy enables rapid and energy-efficient configuration switching, providing practical insights for morphing structure design.