The European Design Guide for Tensile Surface Structures was the key outcome from the EU-funded (Contract G1RT-CT-2000-05010) Thematic Network, TensiNet, which brought together 22 partners (including academic researchers, designers, material manufacturers, fabricators and testing laboratories) from 9 different countries. The publication presented state-of-art knowledge and research in the area of tensile surface structures to provide recommendations to designers, in the absence of comprehensive national or European design guidance in this area. As one of the Scientific Co-ordinators for TensiNet, Chilton was responsible for directing the working groups and, in particular, for producing the chapter on Internal Environment, which includes findings from his own research. He also co-authored the Introduction chapter of the book with the joint editor Brian Forster (pp17-24). The research into the thermal performance of tensile surface enclosures (including multi-layer and insulated envelopes) is ongoing

Introduction [European design guide for tensile surface structures]

Abstract This paper presents a critical review of the nonlinear dynamics of hyperelastic structures. Hyperelastic structures often undergo large strains when subjected to external time-dependent forces. Hyperelasticity requires specific constitutive laws to describe the mechanical properties of different materials, which are characterised by a nonlinear relationship between stress and strain. Due to recent recognition of the high potential of hyperelastic structures in soft robots and other applications, and the capability of hyperelasticity to model soft biological tissues, the number of studies on hyperelastic structures and materials has grown significantly. Thus, a comprehensive explanation of hyperelastic constitutive laws is presented, and different techniques of continuum mechanics, which are suitable to model these materials, are discussed in this literature review. Furthermore, the sensitivity of each hyperelastic strain energy density function to coefficient variation is shown for some well-known hyperelastic models. Alongside this, the application of hyperelasticity to model the nonlinear dynamics of polymeric structures (e.g., beams, plates, shells, membranes and balloons) is discussed in detail with the assistance of previous studies in this field. The advantages and disadvantages of hyperelastic models are discussed in detail. This present review can stimulate the development of more accurate and reliable models. 

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A review on the nonlinear dynamics of hyperelastic structures

A phenomenological material model for PTFE coated fabrics

Membrane structures are increasingly in demand due to their lightweight properties and expressive architectural shapes. However, there does not yet exist a unified design approach for membrane structures as is available for conventional buildings. Current membrane structure design methods rely heavily on experience and precedent. This is mainly limited by the understanding and modeling of coated fabric and the unique analysis theory of membrane structure. To determine the typical and essential behavior of membrane structures, this paper reviews and compares the key constitutive models for coated fabric and the analysis theory of membrane structure. Emphasis is placed on current test standards in different countries. The existing challenges and limitations of the existing literature are discussed at the end, followed by brief recommendations on potential future research directions. 

Analysis and design of fabric membrane structures: A systematic review on material and structural performance

Membrane structures are increasingly in demand due to their lightweight properties and expressive architectural shapes. However, there does not yet exist a unified design approach for membrane structures as is available for conventional buildings. Current membrane structure design methods rely heavily on experience and precedent. This is mainly limited by the understanding and modeling of coated fabric and the unique analysis theory of membrane structure. To determine the typical and essential behavior of membrane structures, this paper reviews and compares the key constitutive models for coated fabric and the analysis theory of membrane structure. Emphasis is placed on current test standards in different countries. The existing challenges and limitations of the existing literature are discussed at the end, followed by brief recommendations on potential future research directions.

Geometrically nonlinear simulation of textile membrane structures based on orthotropic hyperelastic energy functions

A new nonlinear polyconvex orthotropic material model for the robust simulation of technical fabrics in civil engineering applications at large strains – Validation with large-scale experiment/Ein neues polykonvexes orthotropes Materialmodell zur robusten Simulation von Textilmembranen im Bauingenieur- wesen unter Berücksichtigung großer Deformationen – Validierung anhand eines Großbauteilversuchs

Saturation of the stress-strain behaviour of architectural fabrics

Down to the present day, the determination of stiffness parameters for architectural fabrics, mainly used as coated woven fabrics, is a field of intense discussion. Designers and material producers...

Architectural woven polyester fabrics: examination of possible classification of stiffness values in correlation with strength values

Manifold variations of the mechanical behavior of structural woven fabrics appear in the first load cycles. Nevertheless, invariable states, i.e., mechanically saturated states, can be approached by multiple monotonous load cycle biaxial tests. In a state acceptably close to the ideal saturated state, the stress–strain paths reveal the elastic share of the initially inelastic stress–strain paths of woven fabrics. In this paper, the mechanical saturation behavior of two types of PTFE-coated woven glass fiber fabrics is examined and compared to the recently reported saturation behavior of a PVC-coated polyester fabric. With the help of the saturation test data, an extrapolation function is developed that facilitates an estimation of late cycle stiffness behavior based on measured early cycle behavior. Furthermore, the considerable impact of late cycle properties on structural analyses is shown exemplarily in the numerical simulation of a prestressed fabric structure by comparing results achieved from late and early load cycle stiffness parameters.

https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/13/19/4243/pdf

Mehran Motevalli

Papers

Geometrically nonlinear simulation of textile membrane structures based on orthotropic hyperelastic energy functions

Saturation of the stress-strain behaviour of architectural fabrics

Architectural woven polyester fabrics: examination of possible classification of stiffness values in correlation with strength values

The Elastic Share of Inelastic Stress-Strain Paths of Woven Fabrics.