Numerical analysis of a hybrid cable bending-active plate structure

Research on bending-active systems integrates geometry, design and engineering, as a way to successfully utilize large elastic deformations and achieve form variation and unique system configurations. The deformation process in bending-active members requires thin materials which, however, often fail to provide adequate load-bearing capacity to the structure. The present paper proposes the hybridization of elastic members, with secondary structural components, in order to induce structural efficiency and increased load-deformation capacity. A hybrid system consisting of two elastic strips is interconnected at constant distances along the span direction through strut elements and cables. The configuration series developed refers to the number of segments of the interconnected strips and the resulting spans. The numerical investigation is conducted through a progressive nonlinear form-finding and load-deformation Finite-Element Analysis (FEA). The analysis follows a three-stage development

namely, the elastic members deployment, the vertical erection of the system and its external loading. The analysis of the proposed hybrid system gives an insight to its performance through utilization of bending deformations and tensioning of the members.