A BRIEF HISTORY OF ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY FOR GRID-STIFFENED GEODESIC COMPOSITE STRUCTURES

摘要

Strictly speaking, "geodesic" is the shortest line between two points that lie in a given surface. When used as an adjective to describe a structural configuration, a pattern of stiffeners or ribs is implied with no insistence on the shortest length for the fibs. Geodesic domes are attributed to Buckminster Fuller. The use of geodesic concepts in aircraft construction goes back to World War II. Vickers built two aircraft, the Wellesley and the Wellington, with a metal grid frame and fabric skin. The structures of these aircraft were known for their tolerance to battle damage. The redundant nature of the grid configuration provided alternative load paths around the locally damaged sites. This feature - damage tolerance - is a benefit shared by all grid-stiffened structures. The analysis methodology for these structures has its origin in the development of metal aircraft in 1935 - 1950. A brief history is given, including current design analysis methods and practices.