A composite prismatic structure with thermal-torsion coupling effect

This article presents a composite prismatic structure that incorporates inclined rods composed of high-expansion material within a low-expansion material column, thereby enabling the attainment of a thermal-torsion effect. This effect, exhibited by metamaterials, can serve as a driving force for the reconstruction of reconfigurable structures, including origami structures, when subjected to thermal stimulation. The analytical formula for the torsional angle of the combined structure under thermal stimulation is obtained through geometric relationships. The accuracy of this analytical formula is demonstrated by both finite element simulations and experimental findings. To investigate the impact of the structural aspect ratio and inclination angle of the inclined rods on the thermal-torsion effect, a parametric analysis is conducted using the analytical solution and finite element results. The outcomes reveal that the structure is capable of achieving substantial torsional angles in response to temperature variations. •A composite prism structure with thermal-torsion coupling effect was designed and fabricated.•Experiments, theoretical analysis and finite element simulations were implemented to evaluate thermal-torsion effect.•The influences of geometric parameters on the thermal-torsion coupling effect of the structure were investigated.