Pseudo-bistable self-actuated domes for morphing applications

We present a new concept of morphing bistable structure which relies on viscoelastic effects. We show how a careful choice of geometrical and material parameters for an isotropic spherical dome can result in a pseudo-bistable structure which, once actuated, can return to its original state without further actuation. A numerical model is used to investigate the effect of various parameters on the nature of the pseudo-bistability, and a global geometrical parameter is found to govern the characteristic response of the structure. Experimental results demonstrate this phenomenon in a real dome.