Morphing characteristics of bistable laminates with gap and overlap defects manufactured via automated fiber placement

The effect of automated fiber placement periodical gap and overlap defects on the microstructure, load–displacement curves, and out-of-plane displacements of bistable laminates due to the higher ratio of gap width to laminate thickness as well as the high sensitivity to imperfections is studied in this article. Results show that applying caul plates during curing can accurately predict snap loads and maximum out-of-plane displacements of the laminates, as well as prevent significant variations in curvature at the bending boundary. Gaps and overlaps of various widths embedded in a single layer facilitate the customization of the mechanical properties of bistable laminates.