Quasi-static simulations of thin space membranes, aiming at stability analyses of balloon-like structures

• This paper discusses the evaluation of quasi-static equilibrium solutions for inflatable space membrane structures, such as balloons. A flat linearly interpolated triangular element is used for simulations, with a Mooney-Rivlin hyper-elastic material model, with variable constitutive constants. A compressible medium is used to introduce a one-parametric over-pressure loading within the membrane. Complex path-following procedures are used to find generalized equilibrium paths, with different parameterizations. Numerical examples show that the methods developed can give information on the stability of the structures, but that the medium and means for introducing the internal pressure is of importance for the interpretation of stability.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Annan maskinteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Other Mechanical Engineering (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Compressible medium

Inflation

Path-following

Quasi-static equilibrium

Space membranes

Stability

Quasi-static

Civil engineering

Computational methods

Computer simulation

Earthquakes

Engineering geology

Flexible structures

Numerical methods

Structural dynamics

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)