ENERGY DISSIPATION USING NEGATIVE STIFFNESS SHELLS

摘要

A negative stiffness shell has a convex first position, but can transition or snap to a concave second position under a force applied to the exterior surface of the shell in the convex first position. During the transition, the shell exhibits negative stiffness that permits a large amount of energy to be absorbed. The negative stiffness shell can withstand a high initial force threshold prior to transitioning. In the second, concave position the shell can still resist force. Moreover, it is possible for the shell to revert back to the first, convex position with minimal plastic deformation for subsequent use. The negative stiffness shells can be used collectively and/or in layers to increase the efficiency of the overall negative stiffness shell unit.