Wrinkling Behaviors of Gossamer Structure with Stretched Annulus-Shape under In-Plane Torsion

Abstract

In this paper, an out-of-plane wrinkling function is constructed and then is introduced to the buckling theory to complete the wrinkling analysis. Two key techniques (initial imperfection and prestress) are then introduced to the shell model to perform the post-wrinkling numerical analysis of the annulus-shaped membrane under in-plane torsion. The numerical analysis is also performed to evaluate the effects of the thickness and structural scale on the wrinkling behaviors. The results indicate that the wrinkling behavior is intensely affected by structural size compared with membrane thickness. Results from analytical models and simulations agree well, and show both are effective to predict detailed wrinkling behavior of gossamer structures accurately.

Keywords:

• gossamer structure
• membrane
• wrinkling
• buckling
• nonlinear shell model