Development of a wrinkling algorithm for orthotropic membrane materials Original Research Article

Membrane constructions are still attractive an many fields of engineering applications. Especially the ongoing development and improvement of membrane materials instigates improved and new applications for membrane constructions. A commonly known problem while investigating membrane structures is the well wrinkling phenomena. In this work, we present and compare robust algorithms to predict wrinkled regions within complex membrane structures. Special focus is set on the application to isotropic and orthotropic membrane material formulations. As reference the solution of a 3-d shear test calculation is used. Special focus is set on the local and global characteristics of wrinkling. Examples demonstrate the potential of the used approaches.