Deployable Structures: Analysis and Design

by Charis J. Gantes

Overview

Deployable structures are prefabricated and can be transformed from a closed, compact configuration to a predetermined, expanded form in which they are stable and can carry loads. This theoretical and practical discussion of deployable structures formulates and solves the complex engineering design problems with which they are associated.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781853126604
Publisher:	WIT Press
Publication date:	07/28/2001
Series:	High Performance Structures and Materials Series , #2
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.45(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

	Preface	xiii
Part I	Overview	1
Chapter 1	Introduction	3
1.1	The concept of deployable structures	3
1.2	Motivation for research	6
1.3	Potential applications	9
1.4	Advantages	10
1.5	Types of deployable structures	11
1.6	Research centers for deployable structures	12
1.7	Layout of the book	17
Chapter 2	Earth-Based Deployable Structures	19
2.1	Classification	19
2.2	Deployable structures based on pantographs	20
2.3	Deployable structures based on 2-D panels	52
2.4	Cable and membrane deployable structures	63
2.5	Pneumatic deployable structures	69
2.6	Tensegrity deployable structures	78
2.7	Retractable roofs	82
2.8	Other architectural applications	89
Chapter 3	Deployable Structures for Space Applications	93
3.1	Early designs	93
3.2	The concept of adaptivity	105
3.3	Recent designs	109
Part II	Snap-Through Type Deployable Structures	145
Chapter 4	Introductory Remarks	147
4.1	The concept of snap-through	147
4.2	Examples of bi-stable structures	148
4.3	Historical evolution	151
4.4	Structural behavior	153
Chapter 5	Geometric Design	157
5.1	The geometric design approach	157
5.2	Polygonal units for flat structures	158
5.2.1	Geometric constraints	158
5.2.2	Geometric design	161
5.2.3	Discrete joint dimensions	161
5.3	Geometric constraints for flat unit assemblages	164
5.4	Polygonal units for curved structures	165
5.4.1	Geometric constraints	168
5.4.2	Geometric design	172
5.4.3	Discrete joint dimensions	173
5.5	Geometric constraints for curved unit assemblages	176
5.5.1	Polyhedra with polygons of one order i[subscript 1]	180
5.5.2	Polyhedra with polygons of two orders i[subscript 1] and i[subscript 2]	181
5.5.3	Polyhedra with polygons of three orders i[subscript 1], i[subscript 2], and i[subscript 3]	181
5.6	Trapezoidal units for flat structures	183
5.6.1	Geometric constraints	183
5.6.2	Geometric design	186
5.6.3	Discrete joint dimensions	188
5.7	Structures with arbitrary geometry	191
5.7.1	Prismatic units	192
5.7.1.1	Geometric constraints	193
5.7.1.2	Geometric design	195
5.7.2	Pyramidal units	198
5.7.2.1	Geometric constraints	199
5.7.2.2	Geometric design	202
5.8	Experimental verification	204
5.8.1	Description of experimental program	204
5.8.2	Small-scale models	204
5.8.3	Medium-scale models	209
5.8.4	Hub design	212
5.8.5	Full-size model	214
5.8.6	Testing	220
5.8.7	Suggestions for future experimental work	220
5.9	Concluding remarks on geometric design	222
Chapter 6	Structural Analysis	223
6.1	Overview	223
6.2	Analysis in the deployed configuration	224
6.2.1	The finite element approach	225
6.2.2	Modeling of deployable flat slabs via equivalent continua	227
6.2.2.1	Substitution of SLEs by uniform beams	230
6.2.2.2	Substitution of equivalent grid by equivalent slab	237
6.2.2.3	Model verification and limitations	239
6.3	Analysis during deployment	241
6.3.1	Basic considerations for single units	242
6.3.2	Friction: main mechanism and proposed model	253
6.3.2.1	The proposed friction model	255
6.3.2.2	Exact model for pivotal connection between two bars	259
6.3.2.3	Exact model for hinged connections between bars and hubs	260
6.3.2.4	Approximate model for pivotal connection	261
6.3.2.5	Approximate model for hinged connection	262
6.3.2.6	Implementation of the proposed model	262
6.3.2.7	Verification of the proposed numerical model	264
6.3.3	Conclusions on finite element modeling for single deployable units	265
6.3.4	Deployment results for multi-unit structures	267
6.3.4.1	Proposed approximate model for multi-unit structures	269
6.3.5	Analytical prediction of snap-through intensity	272
6.3.5.1	Derivation of approximate models for flat units	274
6.3.5.2	Verification of approximate models for flat units	280
6.3.5.3	Derivation of approximate model for curved units	282
6.3.5.4	Verification of approximate models for curved units	288
6.3.5.5	Concluding remarks	290
Chapter 7	Design Methodology	293
7.1	Introductory remarks	293
7.2	A general design methodology	295
7.3	A design methodology for flat structures	297
7.4	Optimization of material and cross-section properties	298
Chapter 8	Design Examples	305
8.1	Presentation of case studies	305
8.2	Deployable flat slab	305
8.3	Deployable semi-circular arch	309
8.4	Airship cover	310
8.5	Temporary shelter	314
8.6	Deployable scaffolding	317
	References	321
	World Wide Web Sites of Related Interest	349
	List of Figures and Figure Credits	353
	Index	363

Editorial Reviews

his is an excellent reference book, perhaps the only one on Deployable Structures. It is fairly extensive in its treatment of the history and development of deployable structures leading up to the most recent developments. The book does an excellent job of bringing together the equations and rules used in the design of deployable structures. The list of reference is quite extensive, therefore this book is an excellent starting point for researchers to branch off into their own diverse areas of interest.

Journal of Structural Engineering