| Summary |
A geometrically nonlinear finite element analysis of inflated beams based on the Mixed Interpolation of Tensorial Components (MITC) shell elements is conducted. The results show that the minor principal stress fields at the bottom of the beams after wrinkling are almost constant. Then, the constant values of compressive stresses are applied to a modified tension field analysis, which can allow small constant compressive stresses in wrinkled membranes. A numerical example shows that the results based on the modified tension field model are in good agreement with those based on the MITC shell elements. |