Buckling analysis of tape-spring using a rod model with flexible cross-sections
Abstract
This work is devoted to the study of tape springs behaviour. We focus on the instabilities that lead to the creation of localised folds, due to the flattening of the cross-section. Depending on the kind of loading, the folds can move along the tape, split or disappear. Using an extended four parameters rod model with flexible cross-sections, we study several modes of instabilities (number and localisation of folds) for such structures submitted to an overall compression or bending.