Tailoring strongly nonlinear negative stiffness

Negative, nonlinear stiffness elements have been recently designed as configurations of pairs or groups of linear springs. We propose a new design of such a system by using a single linear spring with its moving end rolling on a path described by an equation of varying complexity. We examine the effect that the selection of the path has on the size of the deflection regime where negative stiffness is achieved. The stability properties of the equilibrium positions of the system are also investigated, highlighting the influence that the complexity of the path equation brings. The latter naturally affects the characteristics of the forcing functions around these positions. It is demonstrated that the properties of the system can be tailored according to the nature of the equation used and we show how essentially nonlinear negative stiffness elements, (i.e., with no linear parts) can be designed. These results provide a useful standpoint for designers of such systems, who wish to achieve the desired properties in reduced space, which is a common requirement in modern applications.