Stress on fabric under tension

In summary: Thanks for your help!In summary, the fabric would be under more stress at the contact area between the fabric and the tubular beams than throughout the fabric.
  • #1
Daniel Sellers
117
17
Suppose we have a dome of fabric supported by radial rigid beams. The pressure (air or water pressure) outside the dome is significantly higher than inside the dome (perhaps the inside is even at vacuum).

Because the material is fabric (non rigid) the compressive force from the higher pressure outside will cause a tensile stress within the fabric (please feel to correct me if there's anything wrong with the statement.

Assuming the fabric is strong enough to resist tearing, and the supports underneath are strong enough not to collapse, is the fabric under more stress at or around the contact area where the fabric meets the supports? or would the tension be evenly distributed throughout the fabric?

Intuitively it seems like the area of contact between fabric and support would be under more stress because it is being stretched over a rigid object, but if that is the case then how can we quantify the additional stress at the support?

Emphasis on the "how do we quantify" part of the question. I am willing to fallow to any links or reading recommendations that might lead me to a way to answer this question, but a simple 'yes there will be more stress there' is not what I'm looking for.
 
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  • #2
Post a drawing showing the actual arrangement of beams and fabric covering that you have .

This is probably going to be a problem that can be analysed using membrane stress theory . There is information on the internet about this and it's specific application to tent like structures .
 
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  • #3
This Figure should get the point across I hope.

Forum Diagram.png

Thanks, I will look into membrane stress theory. I've done a little reading on surface structures but haven't been able to find anything which addresses a question quite like this.
 
  • #4
  • #5
One view to take is to suppose that the radial beams are tubular in x-section such that there are not edge contacts with the fabric and without stress creating fasteners between the fabric and the beams; and then to look at the case of a strip of fabric wrapped over a beam. What that basically equates to (ignoring friction) is a strip of fabric stretched over a flat pulley; and, that would tend to indicate that the fabric tensile stress over a beam would be equal to that in the adjoining unsupported regions of the fabric. (i.e. as per a rope over a pulley).

Of course, this does not address any possible effects due to the dome shape of the structure.
 
  • #6
JBA said:
One view to take is to suppose that the radial beams are tubular in x-section such that there are not edge contacts with the fabric and without stress creating fasteners between the fabric and the beams; and then to look at the case of a strip of fabric wrapped over a beam. What that basically equates to (ignoring friction) is a strip of fabric stretched over a flat pulley; and, that would tend to indicate that the fabric tensile stress over a beam would be equal to that in the adjoining unsupported regions of the fabric. (i.e. as per a rope over a pulley).

Of course, this does not address any possible effects due to the dome shape of the structure.

So if I'm understanding you correctly you're saying that barring any sharp edges or fasteners the tensile stress in the fabric would not be significantly larger on the area of contact with the tubular beams. For some reason that intuitively doesn't seem right, but I think I've seen pretty rigorous versions of the rope and pulley you're referencing so maybe that is the case.

I'm going to keep looking into this, thanks for the replies. Any more thoughts or references would be appreciated.
 
  • #7
One of the big difficulties with loaded fabric over ribs type constructions is fretting . Both of the fabric and the ribs .

Fretting was a major problem for designers of the old rigid airships like the R100 and R101 .
 
  • #8
Nidum said:
One of the big difficulties with loaded fabric over ribs type constructions is fretting . Both of the fabric and the ribs .

Fretting was a major problem for designers of the old rigid airships like the R100 and R101 .

I'll certainly keep that in mind, but what I'm looking for right now is a more theoretical answer about the stress in different locations if the fabric and supports where both perfect materials of some kind.
 

1. What is stress on fabric under tension?

Stress on fabric under tension refers to the force applied to a fabric when it is stretched or pulled. This force can cause the fabric to deform or even break if it exceeds the fabric's strength.

2. How does fabric react to stress under tension?

Fabric can react to stress under tension in a variety of ways depending on its composition and strength. Some fabrics may stretch and return to their original shape, while others may permanently deform or tear.

3. What factors can affect the amount of stress on fabric under tension?

The amount of stress on fabric under tension can be affected by several factors, including the type and quality of the fabric, the amount of force applied, and the length of time the fabric is under tension.

4. How can stress on fabric under tension be measured?

Stress on fabric under tension can be measured using a device called a tensiometer, which applies a controlled force to the fabric and measures the amount of stretch or deformation. It can also be measured indirectly by examining the fabric's physical properties, such as its elongation or breaking strength.

5. Can stress on fabric under tension be harmful?

Yes, stress on fabric under tension can be harmful if it exceeds the fabric's strength and causes it to break or deform. It can also lead to discomfort or injury for individuals wearing or handling the fabric, such as in the case of tight or constricting clothing or equipment.

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