The Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Non-Symmetric Bi-Stability in Hybrid Composite Plates for Application in Adaptive Structures

Bi-stable or multi-stable composite laminate is one of the adaptive structures that keep their stable states and modify their shapes by load application. This paper investigates the out of plane displacement of bi-stable hybrid composite laminate with an AL layer on one side. Adding the AL layer is a novel approach, introduced to create an asymmetric bi-stability that leads to a better control of the structure and the results are evaluated experimentally and numerically.  In this regard, the deformation of plates in two stable states, with and without the AL layer (hybrid) coating have been compared. Also, the strain energy changes with room temperature and cooling time have been investigated. Adding an aluminum layer can create a platform for connecting piezoelectric actuators, memory alloys, and thermal actuators. If these laminates are connected to other symmetric or asymmetric laminates, it is possible to create continuity over the discontinuous borders and decrease the stress concentration. These laminates are suitable devices for continuous modification of the shape of aerospace structures like reflector antennas and flight control surfaces.