Overcurvature induced multistability of linked conical frusta: How a 'bendy straw' holds its shape

Nakul P. Bende, Tian Yu, Nicholas A. Corbin, Marcelo A. Dias, Christian D. Santangelo, James A. Hanna, Ryan C. Hayward

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

We study the origins of multiple mechanically stable states exhibited by an elastic shell comprising multiple conical frusta, a geometry common to reconfigurable corrugated structures such as 'bendy straws'. This multistability is characterized by mechanical stability of axially extended and collapsed states, as well as a partially inverted 'bent' state that exhibits stability in any azimuthal direction. To understand the origin of this behavior, we study how geometry and internal stress affect the stability of linked conical frusta. We find that tuning geometrical parameters such as the frustum heights and cone angles can provide axial bistability, whereas stability in the bent state requires a sufficient amount of internal pre-stress, resulting from a mismatch between the natural and geometric curvatures of the shell. We provide insight into the latter effect through curvature analysis during deformation using X-ray computed tomography (CT), and with a simple mechanical model that captures the qualitative behavior of these highly reconfigurable systems.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)8636-8642
Number of pages7
JournalSoft Matter
Volume14
Issue number42
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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