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Published on: January 6, 2023
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Experimentally probing the stability of thin-shell structures under pure bending.
Fabien Royer1, Sergio Pellegrino1
1Graduate Aerospace Laboratories, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
Summary
This study investigates the buckling stability of thin-shell space structures under bending. Probing experiments reveal how imperfections trigger buckling and determine the energy barriers, enabling lighter, more resilient designs.
Area of Science:
- Structural Engineering
- Nonlinear Mechanics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Thin-shell structures are crucial in aerospace and civil engineering.
- Their stability under bending is often limited by nonlinear post-buckling behavior.
- Deformation localization and sensitivity to imperfections are key challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the stability of thin-shell structures under pure bending.
- To understand the role of local dimple imperfections in triggering buckling.
- To determine energy barriers and explore alternate buckling modes.
Main Methods:
- Experimental probing of thin-shell structures subjected to bending moments.
- Introduction of local dimple imperfections using a probe.
- Analysis of stability landscapes and energy barriers.
- Investigation of buckling modes disconnected from the fundamental path.
Main Results:
- Determined the range of bending moments that trigger early buckling via perturbation.
- Quantified the energy barrier between pre-buckling and post-buckling states.
- Illustrated local buckling mode stability using a stability landscape.
- Revealed alternate buckling modes through extended probing.
Conclusions:
- Probing experiments provide insights into buckling behavior and stability limits.
- Results facilitate the development of efficient buckling criteria.
- Enables operation closer to or within the post-buckling regime, allowing for mass reduction.
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