Optimization of cross-section of actively bent grid shells with strength and geometric compatibility constraints

D�Amico, B.; Kermani, A.; Zhang, H.; Shepherd, P.; Williams, C.J.K.

doi:10.1016/j.compstruc.2015.04.006

Optimization of cross-section of actively bent grid shells with strength and geometric compatibility constraints

D�Amico, B.; Kermani, A.; Zhang, H.; Shepherd, P.; Williams, C.J.K.

Authors

Dr Bernardino D'Amico B.D'Amico@napier.ac.uk
Associate Professor

A. Kermani

Prof Johnson Zhang j.zhang@napier.ac.uk
Professor

P. Shepherd

C.J.K. Williams

Abstract

The use of bending as self forming process allows the realization of shape-resistant systems, such as grid shell structures. Here, a numerical method for optimisation of the cross-section of actively bent structures is introduced. For a given load distribution, the optimisation objective consists of normalizing the bending stresses to a given value on the entire structure. In addition, strength and geometric compatibility constraints are taken into account. The method is demonstrated by numerical examples. Further, in order to handle the large displacements involved, a co-rotational Finite Element formulation is adopted and modifed to take into account the changes in stiffness that occur in the forming process of active bending systems. The modified co-rotational formulation is solved for static equilibrium using a Dynamic Relaxation scheme, and is tested against the analytical solutions of some preliminary test cases, as well as experimental results, and shown to be `accurate'.

Citation

D’Amico, B., Kermani, A., Zhang, H., Shepherd, P., & Williams, C. (2015). Optimization of cross-section of actively bent grid shells with strength and geometric compatibility constraints. Computers and Structures, 154, 163-176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruc.2015.04.006

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Apr 6, 2015
Online Publication Date	Apr 21, 2015
Publication Date	Jul 1, 2015
Deposit Date	Mar 13, 2015
Publicly Available Date	Apr 22, 2016
Journal	Computers and Structures
Print ISSN	0045-7949
Publisher	Elsevier
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	154
Pages	163-176
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruc.2015.04.006
Keywords	Active Bending; Grid Shell; Structural Optimisation; Co-rotational Formulation; Dynamic Relaxation; Timber Structures;
Public URL	http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/7674
Publisher URL	http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruc.2015.04.006
Contract Date	Mar 13, 2015