Configuration, snap-through and free vibration of bistable asymmetric composite laminated cantilever plate for wind turbine blade skin

Abstract This paper investigates the stable configurations, snap-through behavior, and small-amplitude free vibrations of bistable asymmetric composite laminated (BACL) cantilever plates, motivated by their potential application in load-adaptive wind turbine blade designs. An advanced theoretical framework is developed by combining the classical laminated plate theory, von K árm á n geometric nonlinearity, the Rayleigh-Ritz method, and Hamilton's principle, from which the governing differential equations of motion are derived. The model's accuracy is confirmed through finite element simulations and experimental results. The potential energy function is employed to characterize bistability, while the Jacobian matrix is used to assess configuration stability. Under transverse excitation applied at two corners of the free edge, the critical snap-through loads are predicted, and curvature evolution during transitions is quantified. Parametric studies reveal the influence of aspect ratio and thickness on snap-through thresholds and fundamental frequency variations. The results provide quantitative design guidance for bistable composite morphing structures capable of passive load alleviation and aerodynamic adaptation in next-generation wind turbine blades.