Form-finding analysis and optimization of cable membrane structure based on iterative correction of tension process

The current form-finding analysis of cable membrane structures does not consider the actual tensioning process, thus leading to a difference between the form-finding prestressed and tensioning working states. It will affect the morphology accuracy of membrane structures in use, especially in the field of space structures. This work proposes a form-finding optimization method based on the iterative correction of the tensioning process, which considers membrane stress and edge shape optimizations in order. The method focuses on two evaluation indices: the average membrane stress difference and the root mean square (RMS) of the position difference of the edge cables. This sequential optimization analysis is illustrated based on the examples of a sunshade structure for aerospace applications. The results show that these design requirements on the two evaluation indices can be satisfied after one membrane stress optimization and one edge shape optimization. Subsequently, the influence of the seams on the optimization analysis of tensile cable membranes is also investigated. Although seams increase the inhomogeneity of the membrane stress and edge shape difference, the proposed optimization framework based on the iterative correction of the tension process can still ensure that the design requirement can be satisfied. The work in this paper could form the basis for a high-precision study of tensile membrane structures in space.