Multistable equilibrium system design methodology and demonstration

Abstract

Multistable equilibrium (MSE) systems are those which have multiple statically stable equilibrium positions. This paper gives an overview of what MSE systems are, how they can be used, and how they can be designed. We describe the numerical optimization and synthesis of an example system composed of energy storage elements from various energy domains including mechanical rotation, mechanical translation, and magnetism. Copyright © 2004 by ASME.