The bending behavior of straight inflated beams has been studied for several decades. A number of theoretical models exist that predict the load deflection behavior of the beams in bending. The various models approach the problem in different ways. This is especially the case by the way the wrinkling and collapse load are defined. A definition for the collapse load for straight cylindrical beams has been modified to suit single- and double-curved beams. The definition for the collapse load is used to derive a load deflection model for truncated conical beams. The effect of a beam being conical instead of straight is of extra significance for an inflated beam because it changes the prestress distribution introduced by the internal overpressure. Increasing the prestresses will result in an increased wrinkling and collapse load. The primary objective is to derive a load deflection model for inflated truncated conical beams. A secondary goal is to optimize the geometry to minimize the deflection using the same amount of skin material. The optimized geometry and the straight cylindrical beam made of polyphenylenesulphide foil will be analyzed and compared using finite element analysis.
展开▼
