Finite element formulation for inflatable beams

The discretized nonlinear equations for bending and buckling of inflatable beams are written by use of the virtual work principle with Timoshenko's kinematics, finite rotations and small strains. The linearized equations around a pre-stressed reference configuration are then deduced, giving rise to a new inflatable beam finite element. The stiffness matrix contains the shear coefficient and the internal pressure. Use is made of the particular 3-node beam element to investigate the bending and the buckling of a cantilever beam, the deflection of a pinched torus and the buckling of a torus submitted to a radial compressive force. The numerical results obtained with the beam element are shown to be close to analytical and three-dimensional (3D) membrane finite element results. The validity of the numerical results is discussed, in connection with the concepts of the crushing force or the wrinkling pressure of the inflated beam.

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