Modeling of Snap-Back Bending Response of Doubly Slit Cylindrical Shells

Abstract

This paper presents an investigation of the bending-induced buckling response of doubly slit cylindrical shells. The goal of this work is to determine a design-relevant parametric model of the load-displacement response during stowing and deployment of folding hinges built from opposing doubly slit cylindrical shells. This relationship will assist in the design and modeling of structures built from these folding hinges for use in elastically deployed structures. Results of an investigation into computational analysis procedures for modeling the snap-back problem are presented. A review of the literature indicates that previous work has not dealt with the snap-back phenomenon that needs to be considered for the folding hinge application. The few analytical models that can be used to verify these finite element model predictions are presented, and comparisons are made to the current finite element results. A test apparatus is described which imposes controlled displacement and/or rotation at the end of the doubly slit cylindrical shells up to and through snap-back, while end moment and planar forces are measured.