Dynamics of a discrete chain of bi-stable elements: A biomimetic shock absorbing mechanism

T. Cohen, S. Givli

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A biomimetic shock absorbing mechanism, inspired by the bi-stable elongation behavior of the giant protein titin, is examined. A bi-stable element, composed of three mass particles with monotonous interaction forces, is suggested to facilitate an internal degree of freedom of finite mass which contributes significantly to dissipation upon unlocking of an internal link. An essential feature of the suggested element is that it undergoes reversible rapture and therefore retrieves its initial configuration once unloaded. The quasistatic and dynamic behaviors are investigated showing similarity to the common tri-linear bi-stable response, with two steady phases separated by a spinodal region. The dynamic behavior of a chain of elements is also examined, for several loading scenarios, showing that the suggested mechanism serves as an efficient shock absorber in a sub-critical dampening environment, as compared with a simple mass on spring system. Propagation of shock waves and refraction waves in an element chain is observed and the effect of natural imperfections is considered.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)426-439
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids
Volume64
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2014

Keywords

  • Bi-stable solids
  • Nonlinear dynamics
  • Shock absorption

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Dynamics of a discrete chain of bi-stable elements: A biomimetic shock absorbing mechanism'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this