modelling inflatable structures
modelling inflatable structures
(OP)
Hi
I am trying to model a structure made up of inflatable reinforced balloon type cells. I would like to be able to simulate the cells being inflated and deflated to various pressures and if possible then test the effect of different forces on the structure. Does anyone have any reccomendation? The cell walls are made up of 6mm thick PVC. Does anyone have any experience of either modelling inflatbles or crumpling/folding fabric-liike material.
Any help greatly appreciated
Laurence
I am trying to model a structure made up of inflatable reinforced balloon type cells. I would like to be able to simulate the cells being inflated and deflated to various pressures and if possible then test the effect of different forces on the structure. Does anyone have any reccomendation? The cell walls are made up of 6mm thick PVC. Does anyone have any experience of either modelling inflatbles or crumpling/folding fabric-liike material.
Any help greatly appreciated
Laurence





RE: modelling inflatable structures
Cheers
Greg Locock
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RE: modelling inflatable structures
I would recommend something a bit more fluid like Maya or 3d Studio Max - there have some very powerful (if imprecise) surface tools that will let you at least mock up your structure. You could then (ideally) export that shape into an iges or stl and then perform FEA on it.
RE: modelling inflatable structures
thanks for the reply. i thought i might have to use something like 3ds max. I don't have any experience with it so was hoping there might be a technique in inventor, which i'm familiar with. Oh well, time for tutorials.
Cheers
RE: modelling inflatable structures
Why 3ds Max? What exactly are you trying to do? 3ds Max is not an engineering software - it is a pretty picture visualization software.
I suspect your problem description doesn't accurately describe exactly what you want to accomplish.
RE: modelling inflatable structures
RE: modelling inflatable structures
I think i will model it first in 3ds max to get the overall shape of the structure, then use each polygon shape as a template for the individual pattern parts, which i can possibly assemble in inventor.
What i wanted to do is 1) build a model that tests the deflection of the whole structure when a simulated wind force is applied, and see how that deflection is effected by the pressures in the cells. 2) model different positions possible from inflating the cells to individually different pressures.
Sorry if you dont understand my description, but basically i wanted to know if there was a way in inventor to model inflatable systems that take their form from the difference in pressure between the inside and outside.
Maybe inventor isnt the best program for this but it is the one with which i have the most experience.
Thanks a lot for your help
RE: modelling inflatable structures
RE: modelling inflatable structures