Innovative Bistable Composites for Aerospace and High-Stress Applications: Integrating Soft and Hard Materials in Experimental, Modeling, and Simulation Studies

Abstract

This study explores the development and performance of bistable materials, emphasizing their potential applications in aero-vehicles and high-stress environments. By integrating soft and hard materials within a composite structure, the research demonstrates the creation of bistable composites that exhibit remarkable flexibility and rigidity. Advanced simulations using COMSOL Multiphysics and 3D-printed prototypes reveal that these materials effectively absorb and dissipate stress, maintaining structural integrity under high-pressure conditions. Compression tests highlight the ability of bistable structures to bear significant loads, distributing stress efficiently across multiple layers. The innovative proposal of combining stiff and flexible materials within a single unit cell enhances bistable behavior, offering superior energy absorption and resilience. This work underscores the promise of bistable materials in advancing materials science, providing robust solutions for aerospace, automotive, and protective gear applications and paving the way for future research in optimizing bistable structures for diverse engineering challenges.