Finite element modelling in integral design strategies of form- and bending-active hybrid structures

This paper discusses form-finding and simulation strategies for form- and bending-active hybrid structures, with practical feedback from two realised projects. Next to some general aspects of computational form-finding approaches with focus on finite element methods (FEM), the influence of changing mechanical properties of elastic beams on the resultant form-found hybrid system will be discussed on an umbrella structure with integrated bendingactive beam elements. Alongside the question of simulation strategies comes the search for a practical design setup to establish an FEM environment that is cross integrating information from various other modelling environments. This is discussed through the case study project M1 where physical form-finding and vector-based spring methods are utilised to generate input data for the FEM simulation

Finite element modelling in integral design strategies of form- and bending-active hybrid structures

This paper discusses form-finding and simulation strategies for form- and bending-active hybrid structures, with practical feedback from two realised projects. Next to some general aspects of computational form-finding approaches with focus on finite element methods (FEM), the influence of changing mechanical properties of elastic beams on the resultant form-found hybrid system will be discussed on an umbrella structure with integrated bendingactive beam elements. Alongside the question of simulation strategies comes the search for a practical design setup to establish an FEM environment that is cross integrating information from various other modelling environments. This is discussed through the case study project M1 where physical form-finding and vector-based spring methods are utilised to generate input data for the FEM simulation