Experimental design of thins shell structures

Abstract

This paper propounds a design technique in which the shape of the model, and of the full structure, is determined by the position of the knotts in a framework of rubber strings. The position of these knotts under load is studied. The stress pattern can be derived from the space positions by measuring the length of each side of the reticule and the forces acting on the knotts (elongation of the: rubber strings). Thereby it is possible to know approximately the magnitude and direction of the main forces. Any change in the shape alters tne length of the framework elements (their length and elongation), i.e., any geometrical change corresponds to a change in the force pattern. As a check, this technique, which is termed «elastic reticule», is applied to the calculation of a spherical dome. The limitations and possibilities of this technique are discussed.