Reshape of the bistable and multistable properties of conical structures through integrated modification of local cross-section

Multistable structures can maintain multiple steady states without additional loads. However, the presence of geometric and material nonlinearities in multistable structures adds complexity and difficulty to their optimal design. In this paper, a novel method is proposed to achieve multistability in conical structures by local cross-section modification. A conical multistable structure with varying cross-section is designed based on this method. The finite element model considering the nonlinear large deformation mechanics and rubber material's hyperelasticity was established for analyzing the multistable properties and meanwhile verified by experiments. The influence of geometric parameters of the cross-section (thickness, width, position) on the multistabilities (number, distribution, and snapping threshold) was analyzed. The steady-state number can be effectively used to redesign the multistable properties by local reinforcement. It is also observed that the quasi-zero stiffness region of the force-displacement curve can be extended by 61.7% compared to the original conical structure. Moreover, the optimized QZS structure allows for an actively-designable stepped dynamic response under forced vibration.