Considerations on the Scaling of Bending-Active Structures. Issue 3 (September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lienhard, Julian; Knippers, Jan
• Is Part Of: International journal of space structures. Volume 28:Issue 3/4(2013)
• Page Start: 137
• Page End: 148
• Publication Date: 2013-09
• Subjects: Space frame structures -- Periodicals; Space (Architecture) -- Periodicals; Space (Architecture); Space frame structures; Periodicals; 624.177
• DOI: 10.1260/0266-3511.28.3-4.137
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-0599

Abstract

Bending-active structures are composed of curved beam or shell elements which base their geometry on the elastic deformation of an initially straight or planar configuration. In bending-active structures the moment of inertia has a direct influence on the residual stress and is therefore limited by a given minimal curvature in the system and the permissible bending stress capacities of the chosen material. These interdependencies may lead to a scaling issue that limit bending-active structures to a certain size range. This range may be widened if the system's reliance on elastic stiffness is compensated by other stiffening factors such as coupling of structural elements and stress stiffening effects. This paper will analyse the scaling effects in bending-active structures. Some basic systems are studied by means of dimensional analysis and FEM parameter studies to clarify at which power each influencing factor effects scaling. Based on these findings some more complex structures are studied for their scalability. This will offer the basis for some more general conclusions.