Abstract
The form-finding of tensile structures requires the calculation of only stable shapes. Fabric membranes can be determined by considering the shape of isotropic stress tensile surfaces and more particularly of minimal area surfaces characterised by an uniform tension. This paper aims to demonstrate that the forms calculated according to such mechanical considerations are always stable. The approach uses the writing of potential strain energy and Lejeune-Dirichlet’s theorem. It allows the definition of convenient stability criteria and as well the determination of order one mechanisms in the structure. The case of tensile cable nets is also analysed.
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Maurin, B., Motro, R. (2012). Stability and Mechanism’s Order of Minimal Area Surfaces and Tensile Structures. In: Frémond, M., Maceri, F. (eds) Mechanics, Models and Methods in Civil Engineering. Lecture Notes in Applied and Computational Mechanics, vol 61. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-24638-8_24
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-24638-8_24
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
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