Stress-Based Structural Optimization for Wrinkle Suppression of Membrane Structures via ANCF-SRM
Yuan Ji, Jialiang Sun, Dongping Jin
Abstract：Flexible membrane structures are highly valued in aerospace applications for their lightweight properties and reliable deployment capabilities. However, their low bending stiffness renders them susceptible to wrinkling, especially under dynamic loading conditions, which undermines performance and safety. Existing design methods are often insufficient for closed inflatable systems, and direct dynamic optimization remains computationally prohibitive. To address these challenges, this study proposes an integrated design approach that originates from dynamic conditions, employs static equivalence for efficient optimization, and returns to dynamic simulation for validation. A coupled mechanical model based on the Absolute Nodal Coordinate Formulation (ANCF) and the Stiffness Reduction Model (SRM) is employed to accurately simulate nonlinear behaviors. Thicknesses are incorporated as design variables within the constitutive relations and the corresponding analytically derivable sensitivities are presented. The unified description of ANCF enables a seamless transition between this static optimization and subsequent dynamic validation analysis. The structural optimization aims to minimize compressive principal stresses while adhering to constraints on both material volume and structural compliance. Quantitative numerical results confirm that the proposed approach suppresses wrinkling while maintaining structural lightness and stiffness. The approach is applicable to both tensioned membrane structures and closed inflatable systems, providing a practical design methodology for high-performance aerospace structures with wrinkle suppression capabilities.
文章链接：https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045782526004627
