Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-l7hp2 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-22T18:58:58.302Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Deformation Analysis of the Tapered Inflatable Beam

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 March 2017

Z. Chen
Affiliation:
School of Aeronautics and AstronauticsShanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghai, China
H. T. Zhao*
Affiliation:
School of Aeronautics and AstronauticsShanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghai, China
J. Chen
Affiliation:
School of Aeronautics and AstronauticsShanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghai, China
Z. T. Zhang
Affiliation:
School of Aeronautics and AstronauticsShanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghai, China
D. P. Duan
Affiliation:
School of Aeronautics and AstronauticsShanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghai, China
*
*Corresponding author ([email protected])
Get access

Abstract

In the theory research and engineering practice, more basic inflatable models are essential for the mechanical property analysis of inflatable structures. Firstly, this paper presents a model of the tapered inflatable cantilever beam based on Timoshenko's theory and analyzes its deformation under a concentrated force. Moreover, the following forces resulting from internal pressure and taper ratio are introduced into the equilibrium equations of the deformed configuration. Thus, the model is optimized compared to the existing one for a straight beam. To verify the effectiveness and the superiority of the established model, the theoretical method based on the model and FEM method are compared by adopting an example about the tapered beams. Finally, the theoretical method is applied in analyzing the influence of geometry and estimating a valid range of taper ratio. By the criterion of the same amount material area, the optimum taper ratio is obtained.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics 2018 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. Comer, R. L. and Levy, S., “Deflections of an Inflated Circular Cylindrical Cantilever Beam,” AIAA Journal, 1, pp. 16521655 (1963).Google Scholar
2. Main, J. A., Peterson, S. W. and Strauss, A. M., “Load-Deflection Behavior of Space-Based Inflatable Fabric Beams,” Journal of Aerospace Engineering, 7, pp. 225238 (1994).Google Scholar
3. Main, J. A., Peterson, S. W. and Strauss, A. M., “Beam-Type Bending of Space-Based Membrane Structures,” Journal of Aerospace Engineering, 8, pp. 120128 (1995).Google Scholar
4. Fichter, W. B., “A Theory for Inflated Thin-Wall Cylindrical Beams,” NASA Technical Note, NASA TN D-3466, pp. 121 (1966).Google Scholar
5. Wielgosz, C. and Thomas, J. C., “Deflections of Inflatable Fabric Panels at High Pressure,” Thin-Walled Structures, 40, pp. 523536 (2002).Google Scholar
6. Thomas, J. C. and Wielgosz, C., “Deflections of Highly Inflated Fabric Tubes,” Thin-Walled Structures, 42, pp. 10491066 (2004).Google Scholar
7. Van, A. L. and Wielgosz, C., “Bending and Buckling of Inflatable Beams: Some New Theoretical Results,” Thin-Walled Structures, 43, pp. 11661187 (2005).Google Scholar
8. Apedo, K. L., Ronel, S., Jacquelin, E., Bennani, A. and Massenzio, M., “Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Inflatable Beams Made from Orthotropic Woven Fabric,” International Journal of Solids & Structures, 47, pp. 20172033 (2010).Google Scholar
9. Davids, W. G., “In-Plane Load-Deflection Behavior and Buckling of Pressurized Fabric Arches,” Journal of Structural Engineering, 135, pp. 13201329 (2009).Google Scholar
10. Nguyen, Q. T., Thomas, J. C. and Van, A. L., “Inflation and Bending of an Orthotropic Inflatable Beam,” Thin-Walled Structures, 88, pp. 129144 (2015).Google Scholar
11. Liao, S. J., “Series Solution of Large Deformation of a Beam with Arbitrary Variable Cross Section under an Axial Load,” Anziam Journal the Australian & New Zealand Industrial & Applied Mahtematics Journal, 51, pp. 1033 (2009).Google Scholar
12. Cui, C., “A Solution for Vibration Characteristic of Timoshenko Beam with Variable Cross-Section,” Journal of Dynamics & Control, 3, pp. 258262 (2012).Google Scholar
13. Wang, Y. Q., “Nonlinear Vibration of a Rotating Laminated Composite Circular Cylindrical Shell: Traveling Wave Vibration,” Nonlinear Dynamics, 77, pp. 16931707 (2014).Google Scholar
14. Wang, Y. Q., “Nonlinear Vibration Response and Bifurcation of Circular Cylindrical Shells under Traveling Concentrated Harmonic Excitation,” Acta Mechanica Solida Sinica, 26, pp. 277291 (2013).Google Scholar
15. Wang, Y. Q., “Nonlinear Dynamic Response of Rotating Circular Cylindrical Shells with Precession of Vibrating Shape—Part II: Approximate Analytical Solution,” International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 52, pp. 12081216 (2010).Google Scholar
16. Veldman, S. L., “Load Analysis of Inflatable Truncated Cones,” AIAA Conference, U.S.A (2003).Google Scholar
17. Veldman, S. L. and Bergsma, O. K., “Analysis of Inflated Conical Cantilever Beams in Bending,” AIAA Journal, 44, pp. 13451349 (2006).Google Scholar
18. Tan, H. F. and Du, Z. Y., “Research on Equivalent Bending Stiffness of Conical Inflated Beam,” Applied Mechanics & Materials, 229-231, pp. 444448 (2012).Google Scholar
19. Cowper, G. R., “The Shear Coefficient in Timoshenko's Beam Theory,” Journal of Applied Mechanics, 33, pp. 335340 (1967).Google Scholar
20. Li, Q., Numerical Analysis, 5th Edition, Tsinghua University press, Beijing, pp. 286290 (2001).Google Scholar
21. Wang, C., Du, X. and He, X., “Wrinkling Analysis of Space Inflatable Membrane Structures,” Chinese Journal of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, 3, pp. 331338 (2008).Google Scholar