Curved structures that can elastically snap-through

Abstract

Curved structures, such as beams, arches and panels are capable of exhibiting snap-through buckling behavior when loaded laterally. However, the propensity to maintain a stable snapped-through equilibrium position (in addition to the nominally unloaded equilibrium configuration) after the load is removed depends on certain geometric properties. A number of clamped arches are used to illustrate the relation between geometry (thickness, span, initial deflection) and the corresponding equilibrium configuration(s). The finite element method and an elastica analysis compare well with a number of specifically-shaped arches produced using a 3D printer.