Wrinkling Analysis of Thermo–Elastic Membranes

Abstract

In order to analyze the state of stress in extremely thin membranes, the wrinkling phenomenon has to be taken into account. This paper concerns numerical analysis of thermo–elastic membrane wrinkling. Based on an algorithm for hyper-elastic membranes, thermo–elastic effects will be included in the wrinkling theory. Formulations of the thermo–elastic wrinkling algorithm for small strains and for large strains are given. Winkling effects of thermally loaded rubber membranes with large strains have been analyzed. Heat conduction is neglected in these considerations. Results of finite element analysis of membrane structures are presented.