On the stability of cylindrical pneumatics subjected to symmetric line and liquid loading (Q1085665)

The finite deflection and stability behaviour of cylindrical inextensible inflatables subjected to the weight of a ponding medium accumulating in a symmetric depression around the apex caused by a uniform symmetric line load or an initial depression/imperfection is treated using geometrically ''exact'' equations. The vertical and lateral stability of these structures is analyzed by superimposing infinitesimal lateral disturbances onto the finite symmetric vertical displacement field. Separating the derived equations into symmetric and antisymmetric parts, the conditions for vertical and lateral stability are established. Numerical results indicate the various stability domains for these structures. A simple expression allowing estimation of the critical line load value for vertical instability, the prevailing mode of failure for such membranes, is established. The magnitude of initial depressions leading to ponding collapse is also established.