Structural Instabilities Triggered by Multi-Physic Stimuli: Towards the Shape-Morphing of Multi-Stable Structures – MultiMorph

Multi-stable structures are structures that exhibit more than one stable state ; they can stay in these states indefinitely without any needs for continuous actuation. These structures exploit instabilities to dynamically change their geometry, allowing them to exhibit multiple shapes and physical properties. Furthermore, multi-stable elements can be assembled into a larger macro-structure. From local stability states multiple stable configurations and shapes of the macro-structure can be attained, thus making it a very versatile structure. However, the current scientific challenge lies in the remote actuation of such multi-stable structures : most of the proposed set-ups for multi-stable shape morphing structures do not suggest any actuation strategy, or propose complex set-ups.

On the other hand, stimuli responsive materials (or structures) are materials (or structures) capable of altering their form or configuration when triggered by external stimuli (e.g. electrical, thermal or hygrometric stimuli). They are used to create shape morphing structures that can quickly and reversibly switch from one shape to another, allowing for dynamic transformations of their shape and functionality. They can lead to major breakthroughs in several sectors, from interactive human–machine interfaces to medical innovations and aerospace engineering.

The MultiMorph project aims to combine the actuation potential of stimuli responsive materials with the reconfigurability of multi-stable structures to create adaptive shape-morphing structures capable of transforming themselves through multi-physic stimuli with envisaged applications in soft robotics.
We propose an actuation method based on the use of stimuli responsive materials (the active phase), combined with a strategy to identify an optimized spatial distribution of active and passive materials in the structure to trigger state changing instability through stimuli activation.