A multi-stable lattice structure and its snap-through behavior among multiple states

This paper develops a multi-stable lattice structure consisting of tri-stable lattice cell which is made by bistable laminates. The multi-stable lattice structure with N tri-stable lattice cells, which can exhibit 2N stable states, is successfully designed and fabricated. The critical loads snapping lattice structure are investigated by the experimental and finite element techniques. The method to simulate the behaviors of contact and constraint between the neighboring bistable laminates are presented. The snap through process of multi-stable lattice structures among multiple states are numerically simulated and experimentally validated. The multiple stabilities highlight the potential to achieve a smooth shape variation in the large area multi-stable structures.