Abstract
In this article, three different methods are presented for finding the deformed shape of pressurized fabric structures underwater. The methods are used here to analyse the shape and cost of ‘energy bags’, inflatable bags that can be anchored to the seabed and used for subsea compressed air energy storage. First, a system of coupled ordinary differential equations is derived which can be solved to find the shape of an inextensible axisymmetric membrane. Then finite-element analysis (FEA) of an axisymmetric natural shape bag is carried out using cable elements, giving the deformed shape of an extensible axisymmetric membrane. Finally, a full three-dimensional FEA is presented which includes cable and membrane elements. A simple optimization is also used to minimize the cost per unit of energy stored in an axisymmetric natural shape energy bag, and it is shown that if only materials costs are taken into account, the cost of surface is approximately equal to the cost of meridional reinforcement in the optimum-sized bag.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.