The Analysis Process of Tensile Fabric Structures

Form Finding Source: http://www.airsculpt.com/

1. The membrane will be modelled as discrete masses with different warp, curvature, direction, and mechanical properties.

2. Each finite element or point in the membrane will be represented by nodes.

3. Links will be modelled between the nodes as springs.

4. Pretension stresses will be inputted to the model and turned into forces in the links.

After modeling the structure and the analysis is running, form finding will begin. During form finding, the nodes will be displaced until the force is equal to zero and static equilibrium is achieved (eg. optimum shape for the membrane is achieved). Mechanical properties, such as geometry, warp orientation, and strength will be also optimized.

Non-linear finite element method analysis will be used to analyze the tensile fabric structure, since the displacement of the fabric structure is not proportional to the loading and the behaviour depends on the prestress value. Also, time dependent factors would need to be analyzed.