622 Advances in Membrane Materials and Structures

Jianhui Hu, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and The University of Tokyo

Jorg Uhlemann, Universität Duisburg-Essen

Wujun Chen, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Membrane structures with high strength-to-weight ratio and good environmental resistance have attracted considerable attention in recent decades. The fabrics and polymers are two representative materials used in this field. The multiple utilizations as stratospheric platforms, large-span stadiums and inflated dams have been found in many countries, which demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing membrane structures in aerospace, civil structures and marine infrastructures. These achievements open new opportunities and suggest great potential applications in the near future. Although we have achieved a lot, several challenges are in front of the scientific community, i.e., accurate models, reasonable analysis methods, long-term behavior and novel structures. This conference session thus focuses on these issues with but not limited to the following topics.

1. Develop new membrane materials and constitutive models considering multi-field effects.

2. Propose new methods for form-finding, structural analysis and cutting pattern.

3. Understand long-term performance of materials and structures.

4. Develop novel structures and systems for aerospace, civil and marine structures.

This session is believed to attract researchers and engineers who are working on traditional and novel membrane structures from all aspects. The discussion could be meaningful for minimizing the gaps between research and applications and providing promising research directions for future study.