Prediction of creased geometry of thin folded membranes using finite element analysis

Abstract

Experimental studies on thin membranes of micrometer scale require sophisticated instruments and gauging techniques. Hence characterization of such membranes is not widely done. Numerically accurate virtual simulations can predict key properties of these membranes which are otherwise difficult to predict experimentally due to the above limitations. Creased geometry is one such property that is one of the key parameters that influence deployment mechanics of solar sails. In this study, nonlinear finite element analyses of single folded thin membranes made of Kapton, Polypropylene, printer paper and origami paper were carried out using Abaqus FEA to simulate the process of folding and subsequent self-opening. The equilibrium state achieved at the end of simulation is considered as the creased geometry of the thin membranes. The effects of type of material, amount of creasing and thickness on the creased geometry were studied. The results were validated with available experimental results and close agreement was achieved.