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• A geometrically exact model (GEMP) is developed for mosaic multi-stable composites. • Besides GEMP, a common model based on classical laminated‐plate theory is used. • Mosaic bi-stable and tri-stable composite laminates with large rotations are studied. • Lagrange multiplier is used to apply linear and non-linear continuity conditions. • Effect of dimensions of mosaic multi-stable laminates on static behavior are studied. Multi-stable composite laminates are composite materials that exhibit multi-stable states, making them highly suitable for use in morphing structures. These materials are capable of maintaining each stable state without expending any energy. As a result, they are used extensively in numerous applications and garnered the interest of scholars and aerospace organizations. In the context of practical applications, such as morphing structures, it is insufficient for designers to rely solely on common bi-stable composite laminates that exhibit large deformations and medium rotations to achieve their desired objectives. Consequently, based on the objectives of the design, there are two potential resolutions to address this limitation. A designer may utilize mosaic multi-stable composite laminates to achieve a morphing structure that exhibits high flexibility, significant deformation, and substantial rotation. The utilization of a series connection between a bi-stable composite laminate and a symmetric composite laminate results in the formation of a mosaic bi-stable composite laminate with variable stiffness. Furthermore, the amalgamation of two asymmetric composite laminates with inverted orientations engenders a mosaic tri-stable composite laminate. The present research examines the static characteristics of mosaic bi-stable and tri-stable composite laminates. It also seeks to analyze the factors affecting the behavior of these types of laminates. A geometrically exact model was formulated for this objective. Apart from the geometrically exact model, a widely used and uncomplicated model relying on the conventional Classical Laminated-Plate Theory (CLPT) and Von-Karman nonlinear strains was employed. The proposed models were validated through finite element simulations. The system's static equations were derived using the virtual work principle and the Rayleigh-Ritz method. The present study examines and explores quasi-static snap-through behavior between stable states through the application of concentrated forces. The findings indicate a high level of concurrence between the outcomes derived from the geometrically exact model and the finite element analyses, particularly in composite laminates exhibiting significant deformations and rotations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, static and dynamic behavior of bi-stable composite laminates with $$[0-90]_{T}$$ stacking sequence and piezoelectric layers is studied. The governing equations of system were obtained using Rayleigh-Ritz method and Hamilton's principle. In order to improve the accuracy of results, a set of higher-order shape functions were employed. The dynamic response of the system under various electrical fields applied to the piezoelectric actuators was studied, and the effects of the presented shape functions on short-circuit natural frequency and the lowest electrical field required for snap-through were analyzed. The results obtained from the developed analysis have been compared with the conventional and FEM models. Good correlation was observed between the proposed model and the finite element method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]