Theoretical methods of bending characteristics analysis of membrane inflatable structures

Focused on the research advances on inflatable structures, the theoretical methods of their bending characteristics analysis are clarified and summarized. The membrane inflatable structures are made of membrane material and shaped by aeration; hence, it is crucial to investigate the influences brought in by internal pressure besides the load-carrying characteristics of membrane material. The relevant researches include the determination of collapse and the prediction of deflection. Aimed to establish the analytical theories, how to choose the right state of membrane element is significant as well as the wrinkle criterion. Then the key to the collapse determination is how to choose the collapse criterion, while the core of deflection prediction is how to involve in the contributions of pressure. The multi-cell inflatable structures consist of several inflatable cells so that it is feasible to estimate and predict their characteristics by the assemblage of the analytical methods of the typical cell configurations. Finally, some suggestions are proposed to improve the analytical methods in theory.