  Snapping mechanisms are investigated for an elastic strip with ends imposed
to move and rotate in time. Attacking the problem analytically via Euler's
elastica and the second variation of the total potential energy, the number of
stable equilibrium configurations is disclosed by varying the kinematics of the
strip ends. This result leads to the definition of a `universal snap surface',
collecting the sets of critical boundary conditions for which the system snaps.
The elastic energy release at snapping is also investigated, providing useful
insights for the optimization of impulsive motion. The theoretical predictions
are finally validated through comparisons with experimental results and finite
element simulations, both fully confirming the reliability of the introduced
universal surface. The presented analysis may find applications in a wide range
of technological fields, as for instance energy harvesting and jumping robots.
