Finite element simulation of thin folded membranes

Abstract

Deployable gossamer structures use thin filmed membranes folded into different patterns. Predicting the membrane behaviour and the stress propagation in these structures is complex due to non-linear characteristics at fold-lines. This paper investigates some of the current idealization methods (perfect hinge, perfect weld) and proposes a novel method, where connectors with rotational elasticity are defined. Furthermore a thorough investigation on key factors affecting the output is carried out. The results have proved that the novel simulation approach proposed is more accurate and careful selection of key factors could make the simulation efficient.