Dynamic Response of Systematically Creased Membranes

This paper presents an analysis of the dynamic response of systematically creased membranes. Numerical simulations were performed first to obtain frequency spectrums with mode shapes of a four-corner loaded square membrane model under pristine and creased configurations. The pristine model was considered linear isotropic, and the creased model was analyzed with combined linear isotropic and nonlinear orthotropic material behavior. Numerical simulation of a creased membrane was performed with a modified wrinkle algorithm where the nonlinear material response was incorporated. Numerical analysis showed a consistent decrease in frequencies with the addition of compliance due to the creases. A series of experiments was then performed for pristine, single and doubly-creased membranes to validate the numerical results. Physical explanations are provided addressing the numerical and experimental observations. The outcomes of the present work will have significance to large, lightly-tensioned gossamer spacecraft such as solar sails.