Bi-stable Analyses of Laminated Fgm Shells

Based on an inextensional two-parameter analytical model for cylindrical shells, bi-stable analyses were carried out on laminated functionally graded material (FGM) shells with various layups of fibers. Properties of FGM shells are functionally graded in the thickness direction according to a volume fraction power law distribution. The effects of constituent volume fractions of FGM matrix are examined on the curvature and twist of laminated FGM shells. The results reveal that the optimum combination of constituents of FGM matrix can be obtained for the maximum twist of FGM shells with antisymmetric layups, which helps the design of deployable structures. The effects of Young's modulus of fibers and the symmetry of layups on bi-stable behaviors are also discussed in detail.