Developing Reprogrammable Metasurfaces with Compressed Pre-curved Beams: Theory and Applications

TL;DR

This paper introduces a mechanically bistable compressed pre-curved beam mechanism, providing a theoretical model validated by simulations and experiments, enabling reprogrammable metasurfaces with tunable configurations.

Contribution

It develops a predictive equation for bistability in pre-curved beams and demonstrates their application in reprogrammable metasurfaces.

Findings

Validated analytical model with FE simulations and experiments

Demonstrated tunable, asymmetrical energy landscape enabling stable position switching

Designed reprogrammable metasurfaces with configurable states

Abstract

This paper presents a mechanically bistable mechanism of the compressed pre-curved beam. A governing equation is proposed which can be used to predict and explain the bistability of the compressed pre-curved beam. FE simulations and experimental tests are performed to validate the analytical solution. The beams unique tunable and asymmetrical potential energy landscape is demonstrated which enables the compressed pre-curved beam to switch its stable position without the need of applying an external force to it. Based on that, a coupled beam element is designed and used as a building block to develop reprogrammable metasurfaces that can be programmed to exhibit different configurations.