Morphing Structures by way of Stiffness Variations

[Abstract] This paper presents a concept for varying the stiffness of a layered cantilever beam by bonding and un-bonding the layers. The results of an analytical and experimental study are presented of a layered beam that incorporates structural layers, adhesive layers, and heating elements for stimulation. The heating elements serve to raise the temperature of the adhesive above its thermal transition temperature, causing greatly reduced binding between the beam layers, and consequently, a reduction in the stiffness of the beam. The paper first presents an analytical study of the concept, followed by the experimental results. It is shown that over an order of magnitude change in stiffness can be realized.