Bending response of reinforced, inflated, tubular braided fabric structural members. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Clapp, Joshua D.; Young, Andrew C.; Davids, William G.; Goupee, Andrew J.
• Is Part Of: Thin-walled structures. Volume 107(2016)
• Page Start: 415
• Page End: 426
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: Inflatable braided structures -- Three-dimensional finite-element analysis -- Netting theory -- Digital image correlation -- Fabric wrinkling; Thin-walled structures -- Periodicals; 690.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tws.2016.06.024
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-8231

Abstract

Abstract: Reinforced, inflatable, braided tubular members are seeing increased use in structural applications where low mass and storage volume are critical. However, research on the structural behavior of these members has been limited. This study aims to improve the understanding of the structural behavior of these members via both experiments and numerical models. Eight tubes with braided fabric shells of varying bias angles and integral reinforcing cords were subjected to flexural tests with highly controlled loading and boundary conditions. Three-dimensional shell-based finite-element models relying on independently measured material properties are developed and shown to agree very well with the experimental results. Highlights: Tube bending experiments with five braid angles, four inflation pressures, two orientations. Three-dimensional digital image correlation measuring full-field deflections and strains. Independent coupon-level testing of all tube components. Three-dimensional shell-based finite-element models of inflatable, reinforced, braided tubes. Finite-element models agree well with experimental data and capture secondary effects.