Shape optimisation of flexible bi-stable composite structures for damping in rotorcraft

双稳态结构在能量采集和减振方面具有巨大的应用潜力。双稳态结构作为能量采集器的研究是一个更加发达的领域，该项目旨在通过优化双稳态复合材料壳体的形状来实现两个主要目标：调整壳体的形状以适应现代旋翼飞机机身和整流罩的受限体积；以及有效地吸收特定形式旋翼飞机的特征频率频谱上的能量。典型的双稳结构几何结构包括屈曲梁、悬臂/磁铁组合和双悬臂梁，但最近人们研究了具有更复杂几何形状的曲壳双稳振子。这些壳允许更大的几何自由度，并将形成本研究的基础。该项目将补充我们中心在建模和测试双稳态结构以及基于压电的能量收集装置方面的现有研究。为了保持该项目的工业重点，位于约维尔的莱昂纳多·S.p.A.(前身为Finmeccanica)将在学生的整个学习过程中提供支持。

Bi-stable structures have enormous potential for use in both energy harvesting and vibration damping applications. The study of bi-stable structures as energy harvesters is a much more developed field, and this project aims to take bi-stable vibration dampers out of the lab by optimising the shape of the bi-stable composite shells to accomplish two main goals: to adapt the shape of the shells to fit within the confined volumes of modern rotorcraft fuselages and fairings; and to effectively absorb energy across a spectrum of characteristic frequencies found in a particular form of rotorcraft. Typical bi-stable structure geometries include buckled beams, cantilever/magnet combinations, and snap-through double cantilevers, but recently curved-shell bi-stable oscillators with more complicated geometry have been studied. These shells allow greater freedom of geometry, and will form the basis of this study. This project will complement existing research in our centre in modelling and testing bi-stable structures, and in piezoelectric-based energy harvesting devices. In order to maintain the industrial focus of the project, Leonardo S.p.A. (formerly Finmeccanica) in Yeovil will provide support throughout the student's studies.