Theory and experiment research on the static capability and dynamic property of inflatable beams

Abstract

The paper analysis static load bearing capacity and dynamic properties of two examples of inflatable beams, the membrane material selected for the first example is the ETFE coated fabric, and the membrane material of the second example is airship envelop fabric, Uretek3216L. The load-displacement curve of inflated beam in bending is obtained and compared with the experimental data. The deflections calculated of ETFE inflatable beams show coincidence with measured curves, but the deflection calculated of airship envelop inflatable beam has deviations between calculated and experimental results. The dynamic properties of ETFE inflatable beams showed good coincidence with experimental results, but the first frequency of airship envelop inflatable beam have difference with experimental results.