Systematic analysis of a new novel variable stiffness stable composite structures using theory, FEM and experiment

A new theoretical model of variable stiffness composite structures in this paper is presented, then a finite element model is established by ABAQUS and a test specimen is manufactured to verify the accuracy. Firstly, the out-of-plane displacement of the initial and second stable configuration of theoretical and simulation results for two kinds of structures (Orthogonal/Antisymmetric/Orthogonal and Antisymmetric/Orthogonal/Antisymmetric) are compared. Secondly, the force-displacement of variable stiffness composite is investigated by the numerical and experimental methods. Reasonable agreement can be obtained from the results of theoretical analysis, finite element method and experiment test. Thirdly, the effect of material parameters on out-of-plane displacement and force-displacement are discussed. It is shown that we can use the current model to predict the equilibrium configurations and load condition of a variable stiffness composite structures.