Finite-Element Analysis of Scale-Model Frame-Supported Tents.

摘要

Frame supported tents are used extensively in field army operations because of their light weight, easily transportable and easily erected. However, until recently, no analysis existed of the behavior of frame-supported tents under static loads such as snow. The Army initiated a program in which a computer code was developed to predict the stresses and deflections in typical segments of frame-supported tents under static loads. This report describes a contribution of the initial study that focuses primarily on extending the capabilities of the original computer code. The capability of the finite-element computer code presented in 'analysis of stresses and Deflections in Frame support Tents' (US Army Natick Laboratories TR 75-31) has been expanded to include more representative models of full-scale shelters. Routines have been developed to ease the inputing of initial fabric shape and yarn orientation, and three new finite elements - a truss, a guyline and a beam with joint efficiency - have been added to the code element library. In a companion experimental program, defelctions of fabric stresses and frame stresses on two 1/8-scale-model tents have been found to agree well with computer code predictions. A new element has been developed that allows for slipping of the fabric over frame elements, and preliminary testing has shown that its predictions agree well with laboratory measurements. (Author)