Load‐Deflection Behavior of Space‐Based Inflatable Fabric Beams
Publication: Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 7, Issue 2
Abstract
The use of inflatable structures has often been proposed for aerospace applications. The advantages of such structures include low launch weight and easy assembly. To consider using inflated fabric beams in aerospace applications, an accurate and efficient method of structural analysis must be developed. This paper develops a method of analysis for inflated fabric beams that is analogous to the shear‐moment method. The bending model is developed from basic assumptions about the state of stress in the fabric of the inflated beam. The resulting model shows that the bending behavior of inflatable fabric beams is identical to conventional solid elastic beams as long as the beam fabric remains unwrinkled. Experimental data were obtained and verify the static bending model for beams with length/diameter ratios greater than 10.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 7 • Issue 2 • April 1994
Pages: 225 - 238
Copyright
Copyright © 1994 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 15, 1992
Published online: Apr 1, 1994
Published in print: Apr 1994
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