Morphing-Induced Dynamics of Two-Stage Coupled Telescopic Beam

Telescopic morphing beam mechanisms offer a promising design approach for deployable structures across various engineering domains. However, the study of dynamics induced by the morphing process is crucial for safe and efficient operation of these telescopic systems. This research investigates the morphing-induced dynamic behaviours of a two-stage telescopic span morphing beam (TSTMB) modelled as an inertially coupled double cantilever beam. The TSTMB comprises a fixed host beam and a sliding beam capable of extending or retracting from the host beam at a constant morphing speed. The governing equations of motion are derived using Lagrange’s formulation, accounting for the time-varying terms introduced by the morphing motion. Numerical simulations reveal significant deflections in the sliding beam during the morphing process, posing the risk of jamming within the telescopic mechanism. To mitigate this issue, support is provided for the sliding beam at the end of the host beam. The results demonstrate that the TSTMB exhibits substantial torsional response during the morphing phase. Furthermore, the magnitude of dynamic deformations can be considerably high, primarily influenced by the morphing speed. Interestingly, at higher morphing speeds, the dynamic deformations are significantly reduced as the telescopic morphing beam has insufficient time to respond. This study highlights the importance of considering morphing-induced dynamics in the design and analysis of telescopic morphing structures, contributing to the development of safe and reliable deployable systems across various applications.