Spline-based and stress-monitored patterning of fabric structures

The shape of tensioned fabric structures is realised via a process of patterning, which involves ‘flattening’ of sections, or panels, of a 3D membrane, onto a plane. The patterning method proposed here uses bicubic spline descriptions of surfaces undergoing flattening, followed by elastic analysis of strains arising from this process and from membrane pre-stress. The results, which ensure stress compatibility along panel edges, produce a cutting pattern and stress variation within it when the panel is assembled into the 3D form. They confirm a general relationship between panel width and stress deviation from the intended pre-stress reported in [1].

► The proposed bi-cubic spline approach to patterning has a number of advantages. ► It provides information about the curvature of the surface, facilitating the choice of seam lines. ► It allows the geodesic lines for potential seems to be generated easily. ► It ensures edge compatibility between adjacent panels. ► Results show ultimate stress distribution being considerably different from uniform pre-stress.