Multistability of spontaneously curved anisotropic strips

Multistable structures are elastic objects, typically composite plates or shells, with more than one stable conformation. The common tape measure or the steel band enclosed inside the bright fabric cover of a ``slap bracelet'', are classic examples of plates that exhibit two stable configurations: folded and unfolded. Multistable structures have many potential applications, from the simple construction of objects of adjustable size to the design of mechanical devices that switch between a discrete number of states. In this talk I will discuss multistability in a quasi-one-dimensional anisotropic strip. The reduced dimensionality allows an exact analytical treatment in terms of the classic F\"oppl - von K\'arm\'an theory of plates. In the conclusions I will comment on the possible occurrence of multistability in biological materials.