Efficient snap-through of spherical caps by applying a localized curvature stimulus
Files
Accepted manuscript
Date
2022-01-13
Authors
Stein-Montalvo, Lucia
Lee, Jeong-Ho
Yang, Yi
Landesberg, Melanie
Park, Harold S.
Holmes, Douglas P.
Version
Accepted manuscript
OA Version
Citation
L. Stein-Montalvo, J.-.H. Lee, Y. Yang, M. Landesberg, H.S. Park, D.P. Holmes. 2022. "Efficient snap-through of spherical caps by applying a localized curvature stimulus.." Eur Phys J E Soft Matter, Volume 45, Issue 1, pp. 3 - ?. https://doi.org/10.1140/epje/s10189-021-00156-0
Abstract
In bistable actuators and other engineered devices, a homogeneous stimulus (e.g., mechanical, chemical, thermal, or magnetic) is often applied to an entire shell to initiate a snap-through instability. In this work, we demonstrate that restricting the active area to the shell boundary allows for a large reduction in its size, thereby decreasing the energy input required to actuate the shell. To do so, we combine theory with 1D finite element simulations of spherical caps with a non-homogeneous distribution of stimulus-responsive material. We rely on the effective curvature stimulus, i.e., the natural curvature induced by the non-mechanical stimulus, which ensures that our results are entirely stimulus-agnostic. To validate our numerics and demonstrate this generality, we also perform two sets of experiments, wherein we use residual swelling of bilayer silicone elastomers-a process that mimics differential growth-as well as a magneto-elastomer to induce curvatures that cause snap-through. Our results elucidate the underlying mechanics, offering an intuitive route to optimal design for efficient snap-through.