Systematic experimental and numerical study of bistable snap processes for anti-symmetric cylindrical shells

Abstract Anti-symmetric cylindrical shell as a novel bistable composite structure, offers wide applications in many fields. The entire snap-through and snap-back processes of the anti-symmetric cylindrical shell are systematically studied through experimental investigation and numerical simulation. The experimental and numerical results are also compared with the analytical predictions. The parameters used to characterize the bistable performances of the shells, including coiled-up radii, stress distributions of the shell in the second stable state, and snap load are measured. Load–displacement curves and buckling phenomena in the snapping process are successfully captured. The influences of the geometrical sizes and layup conditions on the bistable performance of anti-symmetric cylindrical shells are discussed in detail. Comprehensive experimental and numerical results indicate that the initial mid-plane transverse radius and ply angle are two key factors that affect bistable behaviors in the same environmental conditions, which is accordant with theoretical predictions, whereas the number of plies and longitudinal length of the shell only influence on the snap load and stress distribution. The angle of embrace is demonstrated of no influence on bistable performance of anti-symmetric cylindrical shells.