Mechanics Characteristic Research On Truncated-spherical Inflatable Membrane Structure

Modern inflatable membrane structure has a history of60years. Because thesemembrane structures have light weight, large span and other advantages, they are beingdeveloped rapidly in the recent years. They are often used in stadiums, coal sheds, andradomes. In order to reduce force on the membrane, reduce overall deformation, andincrease structural stability, engineers often extend cable nets on the surface of airstructure membranes. Currently, China is still in the exploratory stage of studying forceson cable nets and force distribution on cable-membranes.This research paper first introduces current research developments and basiccharacteristics of inflatable membrane structures. It also discusses analysis methods tosolve non-linear finite element problems of these membranes.Secondly, this paper includes my calculation and modeling of the3/4sphericalinflatable membrane structure in application analysis software ANSYS. From the resultsin the software, I analyzed the following aspects of inflatable membrane structures: thenatural frequencies and mode shapes of the structure, the maximum stress andmaximum displacement curve by changing the ratio of the internal and external pressure，and force and deformation characteristics. After these analyses, I found the formulafitting the maximum stress and the maximum displacement. This formula can be apotential reference for engineering designs in the future.Then, the paper explains the numerical simulated analysis of wind-inducedhemispherical inflatable cable-membrane structures with different height-span ratios byANSYS. It also includes my study of the maximum stress maximum displacement and reaction forces curve by changing the ratio of the internal pressure, external pressureand height-span.On this basis, this paper includes further analysis of stress on top-opened1/3spherical membrane structures. It also explains the influence of different internalpressures and wind speeds on the maximum membrane forces and cable forces. I foundthe maximum wind speed that the membrane structure can handle. I also discovered therelationship between the cable and membrane force distribution under certain windloads. In the end the paper provides useful suggestions on how to prevent too muchdisplacement of the top ring.