Stress Fields

Nov 23, 2012

Equal Stress Fields

Meaning the membrane has equal prestress in warp and fill directions. Mathematically, the stress
will be equal in all directions.

1. Same as produced by a soap film model.

2. Minimum surface area.
3. No shear stress exists.
4. Minimum energy configuration. As the fabric creeps (i.e. experiences strain relaxation) the
shape of the structure does not change, only the prestress level.
5. At any given point on the structure, the radius of curvature is the same in both warp and fill
directions.

Unequal Stress Fields

Meaning the warp and fill have different prestress levels,

1. Can not be produced by a soap film model.

2. Is not the minimum surface area.
3. Shear stress exists in the membrane. This increases the potential of wrinkles.
4. The shape is not in its minimum energy configuration. Therefore the membrane may move,
change shape, slide along edge cables, etc., over time as the fabric relaxes.
5. Radius of curvature is proportional to the prestress levels.

Unequal and Varying Stress Fields

Meaning the warp and fill stress are not only different, but they also vary throughout the
membrane.