Tasks:

1. A membrane with the tensor of elasticity E is spanned in a frame with the widths a
parallel to warp and b parallel to weft so that the warp direction is fixed without stress
and without being slack and the weft direction is stretched by a displacement of u.
Please calculate the stresses in warp- and weft direction!
Dimensions: a = 10 m
b=3m
u = 0.2 m
1500 500 0
E = 500 1100 0 kN/m
0
0
0

2. Three membrane widths of same dimensions are welded together and are attached in a
rigid frame. The deformations to fit the frame are given by 1 and 2. The elastic properties of the two outer widths are defined by the tensor of elasticity:
1300 300 0
1
E = 300 1100 0 0
0
0
0
and the one of the inner by the tensor

1700 500 0
= 500 1400 0
0
0
0

What will be the stresses in the different widths if the stress singularities along the
seams are neglected
in neglecting the Poissons ratio
in taking into account Poissons ratio?
Dimensions: 1 = 3 %
2 = 5 %

3. A new membrane material with unknown properties is presented to you. What are you
asking the deliverer? Which tests you will propose to prove the use in textile architecture?
4. A membrane is fixed in a rectangular corner. The warp is oriented in the direction of
the bisector, the weft perpendicular to this. The weft direction is stressed to the
prestress state nss, the warp will be flabby. The tensor of elasticity is given by
1

1700 1000 0
= 1000 1200 0 0 kN / m
0
0

Calculate the variation of stress it the deformation in warp will be raised to 2 %.

Please explain why Poissons ration here will be higher than in other cases.

5. A tube with the diameter of R and length L is prestressed by inner pressure p0. The
tensor of elasticity has the following form:
900 400 0
E = 400 900 0 kN/m
0
0 500

a. Please calculate the stress in the tube material with the pressure p0!
b. Please calculate the stress variation if the pressure is raised to p in the middle
of the length of the tube.
c. Can you define the material with such a tensor of elasticity?
d. The outer edges of the tube are rotated one against the other by an angle .
Please calculate the limit of that no wrinkles are to be seen!
Dimensions: R = 2 m
L = 10 m

6. Find out which materials are available on the market in the country you are working
and which material information is available (2 -3 examples).
In case no information is available with which parameters would you describe a
woven and possibly coated fabric? Define parameters and show how you would measure these.
7. If possible try to get a piece of one sample material (about 1 sqm) and bring it with
you to the next semester. Characterise the material as well as you can. Which material
parameters do you consider being necessary for your design?
8. Which projects have been realised in your country. Find 2 3 examples if possible
with detailed photos. Please discuss the shape of the building, the orientation of warp
and fill and the edge details.